The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Moscatino di Scanzo, Pure Buona and Uva Merera. It is said to have been cultivated in Lombardy as early as the 14th century, but the first documentary mention dates back to 1789. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2001, it is a direct descendant of Muscat Blanc, but the second parent is unknown. It is an all-female grape variety. The medium to late ripening vine is therefore unstable in yield. It produces red wines with a soft muscat tone with diverse aromas of rose hips, plums and cherries with hints of almonds, tobacco and chocolate when aged, which have high ageing potential. It is grown in the Lombardy region, where it is permitted in the DOCG wine Moscato di Scanzo and the DOC wine Valcalepio. The area under cultivation in 2016 was 10 hectares with a strong downward 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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