This red grape variety comes from the border region Italy (Gorizia)-Slovenia (Goricia). It is a member of the Refosco group. Synonyms are Cagnina, Crodarina, Gallizza, Grosse Syrah, Istarski Teran, Istranin, Lambrusco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Lambrusco Peduncolo Rosso (possibly independent, though one is not listed in the VIVC catalogue), Rabiosa Nera, Refosco del Carso, Refosco d'lstria, Refosco Magnacan, Refoscone Nero, Refosco Terrano, Refošk, Refošk Istarski, Taran, Taranac, Tarin, Teran, Teran Black, Teran Cagnina, Teran Crni, Teran Crvene Peteljcice, Teran Noir, Teranovka, Terant, Terran, Terrana, Terrano del Carso and Terrano d'lstria. It should not be confused with the varieties Refosco di Faedis or Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2020, it originates from a presumably natural cross between unknown parent variety x Refosco di Faedis. However, this is based on only 12 DNA markers (see molecular genetics).
The Roman author Pliny the Elder (23-79) mentioned a wine called "Nobile vinum pucinum" as being rich in therapeutic properties from the transboundary karst region called "Carso" in Italy and "Kras" in Slovenia. Whether there is a connection between this ancient wine and the Terrano variety can of course no longer be verified. A first documentary mention dates back to 1340 with white and red Terrano varieties. The medium to late ripening vine is resistant to frost and the most important vine diseases. It yields red wines with high acidity and tannins and fruity aromas of wild berries and cherries.
In Italy, the variety is permitted in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the DOC wines Carso and Colli di Rimini and under the name Cagnina in Emilia-Romagna in the DOC wine Romagna. The Italian cultivation area is 209 hectares. In Slovenia, it is included in the Kras Teran under the name Refošk. Here it occupies 1,340 hectares mainly in the Kras, Istra and Vipavska Dolina areas under the name Refosco. And under the name Teran it is cultivated in the Istria area in Croatia (in 2010 there were 350 ha, in 2016 there was no stock). Small stocks are also said to exist in northern Macedonia. In 2016, however, only the Italian stock was reported (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
