The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Bottato, Brindisino, Caprone, Chiapparù, Ciapparone, Cioccolontano, Clingo, Dolciolo, Greco Bianco del Pollino, Greco del Pollino, Ingannacane Bianco, Mantonico Bianco Italico, Montonico, Montonico Bianco di Bruni, Montonico Bianco Italico, Montonico Poggio delle Rose, Montanaro, Montonico, Pagadebit, Racciapaluta, Trebbiano Montanaro, Uva Bianca Antica, Uva della Scala and Uva Regno. It should not be confused with the varieties Guardavalle (synonym Montonico di Rogliano), Mantonico Bianco or often considered identical Montù, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2008, there is a parent-offspring relationship with the Garganega variety. The Sicilian variety Orisi is the result of a presumably natural cross between Sangiovese and Montonico Bianco. The late-ripening, high-yielding vine is resistant to frost and both types of mildew. Until the 1960s, it was widespread along the Adriatic coast in central Italy. Today it is cultivated in the regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Calabria and Marche. The variety is permitted in the Calabrian DOC wines Bivongi, Savuto and Terre di Cosenza. In 2016, 567 hectares of vines were reported (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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