The white grape variety originates from Sardinia-Italy. Synonyms are Abbondosa, Aksina de Marjian, Aksina de Popurus, Axina de Margiai, Axina de Popurus, Axina 'e Pòberus (poor man's grape), Axina Scacciadèppidus (debt paying grape), Bruscu Biancu, Burdu, Garnaccia, Granazza, Malvasia di Luras, Meragus, Nuragus Bianca, Nuragus Blanc de Sardaigne, Nuragus Trebbiana and Preni Tineddus. The name possibly derives from the enigmatic early historical stone towers (Nuraghi, Mz. Nuraghen) of the Bonnanaro culture scattered all over the island. Two of the synonyms indicate fertility. According to an unverifiable hypothesis, it or an ancestor was already brought to the island by the Phoenicians. This supports the second variant of the name's origin, as the Phoenician "nur" means "fire".
According to DNA analyses carried out in 2007, the two varieties Nuragus Arrubiu and Nuragus Moscadeddu (also Nuragus Moscatello, Nuragus Rosso Rompizolla) are independent vines with which it must not be confused. The late-maturing, high-yielding vine is resistant to spring frosts and downy mildew, but susceptible to powdery mildew. It produces rather simple, mild white wines with fruity aromas and a slightly bitter aftertaste. The variety is mainly found in the west of the island in the provinces of Cagliari and Oristano. It is used to produce the DOC white wine Nuragus di Cagliari. It is also used for the production of Vermouth and sparkling wine. The area under cultivation in 2016 was 1,008 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
