The white grape variety comes from Italy. Synonyms are Acerbina, Buzzetto, Garella, Loumnitza, Lumaca, Lumassa Bianca, Lumassina Bianca, Lumazzina, Mataòsso, Mataòssu and Uga Matta. The parentage (parenthood) is unknown. It must not be confused with the Moldavian variety Luminitsa (Loumnitza) because of the synonym. It was first described by the Italian ampelographer Giuseppe di Rovasenda (1824-1913). This late-maturing, high-yielding vine produces fresh, acidic, rather low-alcohol white wines with aromas of apples and herbs. In the 1970s it was threatened with extinction and was revived. The variety is mainly cultivated in the province of Savona in the Liguria region, where it is mainly used as a blend for the production of sparkling wines. It is blended with the Bosco and Vermentino varieties to produce "Nostralino", a traditional wine at many annual village festivals. In 2016, 37 hectares of vineyard area have been declared with a strong downward trend (statistics Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: M.I.P.A.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
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