The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Albanella Gentile, Barbarossa, Brugnera, Brugnola, Canèna, Canina Nera, Cannina, Costa d'Oro, Forcella, Fortana Nera, Oliva, Orzese, Prugnola, Uva Canina, Uva Cornetta, Uva d'Oro di Bertinoro, Uva d'Oro di Cesena, Uva d'Oro di Comacchio, Uva d'Oro di Forli, Uva d'Oro di Poggio delle Rose, Uva d'Oro di Ravenna, Uva d'Oro di Romagna, Uva d'Oro Raspo Rosso, Uva d'Oro Sgaravella, Uva Francese Nera, Uva Vecchia (Italy); Rapa (Switzerland). According to Wine Grapes, Canina Nera, which is named as distinct in the VIVC catalogue, is identical. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities, it should not be confused with the Brugnola, Drupeggio (Canina) or Mazzese (Orzese) varieties. According to legend, it comes from the Côte d'Or in Burgundy, which could also be indicated by synonyms. According to the legend, the vine was brought to Burgundy by the daughter of King Louis XII. According to legend, the vine was brought to Emilia-Romagna by the daughter of King Louis XII (1462-1515) in the duchy of the Este family.The vine was already mentioned in 1550 as the "Golden Grape" (Uva d'Oro).
According to DNA analyses carried out in 2005, Canina Nera and Rapa (from the Swiss canton of Ticino), which were previously considered to be independent varieties, are identical. There is a parent-offspring relationship to Lambrusco Maestri and a close relationship to Malbo Gentile. The late-maturing, high-yielding vine is susceptible to powdery mildew. It yields red wines rich in acidity and tannins with fruity aromas. The variety is mainly cultivated in Emilia-Romagna. There it is permitted, for example, in the DOC wines Bosco Eliceo, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Lambrusco Mantovano and Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce. In 2016, a total of 469 hectares of vineyards were designated in Italy, with a strong downward trend; in 2000, the figure had been 1,250 hectares (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
