The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Aglianico di Cassano, Arvino Nero, Cirotana, Gaglioppa, Gaglioppa Nera, Gaglioppo di Cirò, Gaglioppo Paesano, Gaioppo, Galaffa, Galoffa, Galloppo, Lacrima di Cosenza, Lacrima Nera, Lancianese, Latifolia, Magliocco, Magliocco Antico, Magliocco Dolce, Montonico Nero, Morellino Pizzuto, Navarna and Uva Navarra. It should not be confused with the varieties Frappato, Gallioppo delle Marche, Magliocco Canino, Magliocco Dolce or Maiolica, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2019, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Sangiovese x Mantonico Bianco.
The very old variety was first mentioned in documents as early as 1240, when the Roman-German Emperor and ruler of the Kingdom of Sicily Frederick II (1194-1250) ordered "centum barrilia de bono vino de galloppo" (one hundred barrels of good Gaglioppo). The name is supposedly of Greek origin. This would also correlate with the hypothesis of a Greek origin. For according to a hypothesis that can no longer be proven, the wine of the ancient Olympic champions, the Krimisa, was pressed from the variety. However, there is no DNA match with Greek grape varieties.
The medium to late ripening vine is susceptible to both powdery mildews, but resistant to frost and drought. It yields ruby red wines rich in alcohol and tannins with a rose hue. The variety is cultivated in the regions of Abruzzo, Calabria, Marche, Sicily and Umbria. It is permitted in the DOC wines Bivongi, Cirò, Faro, Lamezia, Melissa, Sant'Anna di Isola Capo Rizzuto, Savuto, Scavigna and Terre di Cosenza. The Italian cultivated area in 2016 was 4,626 hectares with an increasing trend. This puts it in 122nd place in the world grape variety ranking (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Image: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
