The white grape variety originates from Italy. The name is probably derived from the hard-skinned berries (duro = hard). Synonyms are Cagnina, Caina, Duracino, Durella Bianca, Durella Gentile, Durello, Durelo and Rabiosa. It must not be confused with the Nosiola variety, despite certain morphological similarities. The parentage is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2010, Durella is a parent of the Bianchetta Trevigiana variety. According to an unverifiable hypothesis, it is supposed to be a descendant (like the French variety Duras) of the ancient grape variety Duracina mentioned by the Roman authors Cato (234-149 BC) and Columella (1st century AD). The variety was first mentioned in 1825 by the naturalist Guiseppe Acerbi (1773-1846). The late-ripening vine produces acidic, powerful white wines that are ideal for sparkling wines. It is cultivated in the provinces of Verona and Vicenza in Veneto. Here it is permitted in the DOC wines Gambellara, Lessini Durello and Monti Lessini. There are also other stocks in Lombardy and Tuscany. In 2016, 480 hectares of vines were designated in Italy (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
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