The red grape variety originates from Italy; it is one of the numerous Lambrusco varieties. Synonyms are Aglianico Dolce Précoce, Anrè, Anrè Grossolano, Badino, Caruét, Cascarello, Corva, Croetto, Crova, Covra Astigiana, Crova Nera, Crovet, Crovin, Farinellona, Grosso Covarevo, Lambrusa, Lambrusa di Alba, Lambrusa Saluzzese, Lambrusca, Lambrusca Viola, Lambrusco di Alessandria, Moretto, Neretto di Alessandria and Stupèt. It should not be confused with the French variety César or the Piedmontese variety Corva, despite the synonyms or morphological similarities that seem to indicate it.According to DNA analyses carried out in 2020, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Crovin x Neretto di Marengo. The Brachetto Migliardi variety comes from a cross with Malvasia Aromatica di Parma.
According to one hypothesis, it was described as early as the beginning of the 14th century by the famous jurist Petrus de Crescentiis (1230-1320) under the name "Porcina". It was mentioned in 1787 under the name Crovet in the province of Asti in Piedmont, and under its main name in 1879. The late-ripening, high-yielding vine has good resistance to downy mildew and botrytis. The rosé and red wines made from it are used exclusively as blends. The variety is permitted in the Colli Tortonesi DOC wine, among others. In 2016, 58 hectares of vines were reported 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
