The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Invernenga Bresciana, Imbrunesca, Invernesca, Pergola, Pergolese and Ua'mbrunesca. It was first mentioned in 1826 as one of the most commonly grown varieties around Brescia in Lombardy. The name probably derives from "Inverno" (winter) because the grapes were dried in winter and later prepared with warm water at Badarf for consumption as table grape. The medium to late ripening vine is now only grown in small quantities. The Pusterla winery cultivates the "Vigneto Pusterla" vineyard at the foot of the castle in the centre of the city of Brescia. The four hectares of this vineyard are home to autochthonous varieties, some of which are very rare, and from which the special IGT cuvée Ronchi di Brescia is pressed. Among them are Corva, Groppello Gentile, Maiolina, Marzemino, Schiava Grossa and Invernenga. The Slow Food association defined this vineyard as a cultural heritage site in 2007. In 2016, 5 hectares of vineyards were identified with a decreasing trend (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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