The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Balau, Baló, Barbera Rotonda, Bonarda, Bonarda d'Macoun, Bonarda Rotonda, Dolcetto di Boca, Durasa, Freisone, Peilavert, Pelaverga and Uva d'Galvan. It must not be confused with the varieties Barbera, Bonarda Piemontese, Neret di Saint-Vincent, Neretto di Bairo, Neretto Gentile, Neretto Nostrano, Pelaverga or Rastajola, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to the VIVC catalogue, the variety Durasa is identical; a final clarification is therefore open (the synonyms marked in bold are identical to those of this variety). Direct descendants are the varieties Barbera di Patrunat and Tintoria Lloyd by presumably natural crossings. This early-maturing, high-yielding vine is resistant to grape rot due to its thick-skinned, anthocyanin-rich berries. It yields tannin-rich red wines with spicy aromas, but low alcohol and acidity. Therefore, they are used for blending. The rare variety occurs sporadically throughout Piedmont, but especially in the province of Torino. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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