The red grape variety originates from the border region Italy/Switzerland. It could be identical with the Eperon (Spron) variety described by the Italian ampelographer Lorenzo F. Gatta in 1838. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2003, it is probably a natural cross between fumin x of unknown variety. In Switzerland, the variety is counted among the Old Growths grape variety group. The late ripening vine was already threatened with extinction and was reactivated by the Italian biologist Dr. Giulio Moriando. The variety is cultivated in the Italian region of Valle d'Aosta exclusively in the three municipalities of Chambave, Châtillon and Pontey in small quantities. In 2016, three hectares of vineyard area have been identified with a decreasing trend (statistics Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: M.I.P.A.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
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