The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Barbassese, Bertolino, Bertoulin, Caria l'Aso, Lardera, Lardera Bianca, Lardera delle Langhe, Martinella, Peigin and Peisìn. It should not be confused with the Carica l 'Asino variety, despite the synonyms or morphological similarities that seem to indicate it. According to DNA analyses, it is not a colour mutation of the red Barbera, but an independent variety. The name was given because of the similar grape and berry shape. The variety was first mentioned in writing in 1825 by the naturalist Giuseppe Acerbi (1773-1846). The medium ripening, high-yielding vine yields white wines with high acidity. In Piedmont, it is mainly cultivated in the provinces of Acqui, Alessandria, Asti and Cuneo. The variety is allowed in the Colli Tortonesi DOC wine. In 2016, 114 hectares of vines were reported with a strong downward trend (Kym Anderson statistics).
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)