The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Ramandolo, Ramandolo Dorato, Verdùç, Verdùz, Verdùzz, Verduzzo, Verduzzo di Ramandolo, Verduzzo Giallo and Verduzzo Verde. The parentage is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2011, the variety Verduzzo Ramandolo is identical, but the variety Verduzzo Trevigiano, which is often regarded as a variety and also frequently confused with it, is clearly different. The first mention of a variety called Verduzzo was on 6 June 1409 in Cividale (Friuli). A document reports a banquet in honour of Pope Gregory XII (1335-1417) with the following wines: Marzemino from Gradiscutta, Ramandolo from Torlano (wamutllich is also a Verduzzo variety), Ribolla from Rosazzo, Verduzzo from Faedis and Refosco from Albana.
The late-maturing, high-yielding variety is resistant to botrytis. It produces slightly astringent white wines with cedar wood aromas and ageing potential if properly matured. The variety is cultivated in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, mainly in Friuli, but also in neighbouring Veneto. It is often permitted together with the variety Verduzzo Trevigiano in the DOC wines Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli Annia, Friuli Aquileia, Friuli Grave, Friuli Isonzo, Friuli Latisana, Lison-Pramaggiore, Piave and Venezia, as well as in the sweet DOCG wine Ramandolo. The Italian cultivation area is 687 hectares with a strong downward trend. There are also small stocks in Argentina (2 ha), Australia (1 ha) and Slovenia. In 2016, a total of 690 hectares of vines were declared (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
