This red grape variety comes from the island of Sicily(Italy). Synonyms are Frappato di Vittoria, Frappato Nero, Frappato Nero di Vittoria, Frappatu, Frappatu di Vittoria, Nerello, Nerello di Catania, Nero Capitano, Raposo Rapato and Surra. It should not be confused with the varieties Gaglioppo (to which it is closely related), Nerello Cappuccio or Nerello Mascalese, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. The medium to late ripening vine is susceptible to botrytis. It produces rather light-coloured, fresh red wines with fruity strawberry flavours. The variety was first mentioned in 1760 in the province of Ragusa, where it is still mainly cultivated today. There, it is mostly used as a blend with other varieties such as Nero d'Avola. It is permitted in the DOC/DOCG wines Alcamo, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Eloro, Erice, Menfi, Sicilia and Vittoria. In 2016, 580 hectares of vines were designated in Italy (Kym Anderson).
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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