One of the most widespread grapes of Italy together with Sangiovese, its origins trace back to 1200. Also present in a white variety called Barbera Bianco. Greatly adaptable grape, its acidity allows for long maturation.
DOC BARBERA d'ASTI
Cortese
Piemonte
Famous grape of the Piemonte region originally grown in the Tortona and Alessandria areas. It is used in various other regions to produce a number of wines including DOC Oltrepo' Pavese Cortese, Custoza, DOC Colli Tortonesi etc. Presents good levels of acidity.
DOC GAVI or CORTESE di GAVI
Erbaluce
Piemonte
Called by the Romans "morning light" this is a very ancient grape. Some say it comes from the village of Fiano (near Rome) some other from the Cananvese region. The grape is used for the DOC Erbaluce di Caluso e Colline Novaresi Bianco.
DOC ERBALUCE di CALUSO
Nebbiolo
Piemonte
This grape is typical of the Langhe and Albese region. Also known as Chiavennasca (in the Valtellina region) and Spanna (in the Novara area). Used in a number of wines including: DOGC Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara, Valtellina Superiore, Nebbiolo d'Alba, DOC Roero, DOC Carema and DOC Donnaz.
DOC BAROLO
Moscato Bianco
Piemonte
Grape widespread in the whole of the Mediterranean areas since ancient times. In Italy it's known under various names: Moscato Giallo, Moscato Rosso, Zibibbo, Moascato Bianco. The grape posseses a unique scent which is unmistakable. The grape is used in a number of DOCs.
DOC MOSCATO d'ASTI
Croatina
Lombardia
Croatina is a typical grape of the Oltrepo' Pavese region where it can be traced back to the area of Rovesciala, a village situated in the Versa Valley. The grape has been known since the middle ages also with the name of Bonarda. Only since the sixties wine producers have started developing this grape and exploring its full potential.
DOC OLTREPO' PAVESE
Marzemino
Trentino
This grape is widespread in number of areas including France where a white variety is used as eating grape and not as wine making grape. In Italy it's typical of the Trentino region where it was introduced by the Venetian in the XV century. The grape is used in a number of DOC throughout the Trentino, Veneto, Friuli and Emilia regions.
DOC TRENTINO MARZEMINO
Nosiola
Trentino
It's the only white grape typical of the Trentino region and it's grown only in two areas: Valle dei Laghi along the Sarco river and on the hills of Pressano. The grape reacts a lot to the atmospheric conditions and so results from the harvest can be very different.
DOC TRENTINO
Corvina
Veneto
Famous variety of the Valpolicella region in the Verona area, the heart of the wine making Veneto. Corvina grapes are ideal for slow wilting. The grapes contribute to the creation of two very famous wines: Bardolino Superiore and his majesty Amarone. The grape has been known to be present in the Valpolicella region since 1824. The grape is mosty grown on the Valpolicella hills.
DOC BARDOLINO SUPERIORE - DOC VALPOLICELLA
Durello
Veneto
Durello is a relatively strong grape capable to resist to a number of diseases and parasites well accustomerd to volcanic soils. This grape has been known since the XIII century and today is mostly grown in the Lessini hils area between the towns of Verona and Vicenza. The grape is used in a number of DOCs such as Lessini, Breganze, Gambellara, Lugana, Valdadige. Not very widespread outside the Veneto region.
DOC LESSINI DURELLO
Garganega
Veneto
Although the grape is also cultivated in other Italian regions, Garganega has found its ideal grown site in the area around Verona and Vicenza. The grape is said to be coming from Greece and the Romans themselves are known to grow and appreciate Garganega. Primary flavours of the grape are fruity and delicate and the wines can be matured for periods of up to 10 years.
