The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Blue Negron, Negron, Cecommenicolo, Cenerenta del Vicentino, Farinella, Farinello, Friulara, Negretta del Veronese, Rabosa, Rabosa Veronese, Rabose de Verone, Raboso di Verona, Raboso Friularo, Raboso Nero Veronese and Raboso Veronese Nero. It should not be confused with the Gruaja, Negrara Veronese or Raboso Piave varieties, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2006, it is the result of a presumably natural cross between Raboso Piave x Marzemina Bianca. Until then, Raboso Piave and Raboso Veronese were considered to be identical or varieties. The parentage of Raboso Piave is also supported by the fact that it was first mentioned in 1679, while Raboso Veronese was first mentioned in the 19th century. Raboso Veronese was a crossing partner of the new Fertilia and Manzoni Moscato varieties.
The name "Raboso" (rabbioso = rabid, wild) probably refers to the distinctly tart and astringent taste of red wines or to the Piave tributary Raboso. The late-maturing, high-yielding vine is susceptible to powdery mildew. It yields ruby red wines quite similar to Raboso Piave, but somewhat less tannic. The variety is mainly cultivated in the Veneto region. It is allowed - mostly together with the Raboso Piave variety - in the DOC/DOCG wines Bagnoli di Sopra, Colli Euganei, Corti Benedettine del Padovano, Merlara, Piave, Piave Malanotte, Riviera del Brenta, Venezia and Vicenza. There are other stocks in Emilia-Romagna and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In 2016, the Italian cultivated area was 295 hectares (Kym Anderson). There are also said to be stocks in Argentina.
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
