The red grape variety originates from the Aosta Valley in Italy near the Swiss border. The name is likely derived from "corniolo," the Italian term for the cornel cherry. Synonyms include Broblanc, Cargnola, Cornalino Nero, Cornallin, Corniola, (Italy); Cornalin d’Aoste, Cornalino, Humagne Rouge (Switzerland). The variety was widely cultivated in the Italian Aosta Valley in the 19th century. Towards the end, it made its way to the Swiss canton of Wallis, where it was referred to as Humagne Rouge for almost a century (but is not related to the variety Humagne Blanche). In Switzerland, Cornalin is classified under the grape variety group of Old Vines. Despite some identical synonyms and morphological similarities, it should not be confused with the varieties Olivette Noire (Corniola Nera), Petit Rouge, or Rouge du Pays (Cornalin du Valais). Biologists Dr. Giulio Moriondo and Dr. José F. Vouillamoz established in 1999 that the previously considered distinct Cornalin d’Aoste (Cornalin) and Humagne Rouge are identical. According to DNA analyses conducted in 2021, it likely originates from a natural cross between Rouge du Pays x an unknown parent variety. The late-ripening vine is generally resistant to fungal diseases. It produces vividly colored red wines with rustic, smoky tannins and aromas of black fruits and pepper. The variety is cultivated on nine hectares in the Italian Aosta Valley and is permitted in the regional DOC wine. In Switzerland, however, the cultivation area is 138 hectares. In 2016, a total of 147 hectares were recorded, showing a declining trend (Statistics Kym Anderson). Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012. Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI).
