The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Cassano, Castiglione, Lacrima, Mantiddatu Niuru, Nerello Cappuccio Mantellato, Marchesana, Nerello di S. Antonio, Nerello di San Antonio, Nerello Mantellato, Nirello Cappucio, Nirello Cappuccio, Niureddu, Niureddu Ammatiddatu, Niureddu Capucciu, Uva Antica Nera, Zagarese, Zuccheio Canella, Zuchero Carmella and Zuchero et Cannella. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities, it must not be confused with the varieties Castiglione, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese or Perricone. The name cappuccio (bonnet) refers to the whitish coating that covers the grapes like a mantle (mantello) (hence also Nerello Cappuccio Mantellato). The medium-late ripening vine produces soft red wines with black fruit aromas.
The variety is cultivated in the Calabria region, mainly in the provinces of Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro, and in much larger quantities on the island of Sicily, mainly in the provinces of Catania and Messina. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2008, it is often grown there mixed with up to five unknown varieties, which makes it difficult to specify quantities. It is usually blended with the higher-quality Nerello Mascalese variety. It is permitted in the DOC wines Contea di Sclafani, Etna, Faro, Lamezia, Marsala, Monreale, Sant'Anna di Isola Capo Rizzuto, Savuto, Scavigna and Sicilia. In 2016, 125 hectares of vines were reported with a strong downward trend (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Image: Sicilia DOC Consortium
