The red grape variety originates from Italy and is one of the numerous Lambrusco varieties. Synonyms are Crovino, Lambruschetta and confusingly also Malaga (see there). The variety was first mentioned in 1831 under the name Crovino in Piedmont. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2006, the long-held assumption that it was identical to the Lambrusco di Sorbara variety was refuted. A possible parent-offspring relationship with the white variety Timorasso was established. The medium to late ripening vine is resistant to botrytis, but susceptible to trickling. It used to be widespread in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria, but is now grown almost exclusively around the Piedmontese commune of Castelnuovo Bormida (Alessandria). No population was recorded in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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