The red grape variety comes from Italy. Synonyms are Bonarda, Bonarda di Gattinara, Bonarda di Rovescala, Bonarda Grossa, Bonarda Pignola, Crevatizza Rossa, Croata, Croatina Comune, Croato, Croattina, Crovattina, Crovattino, Crovattone, Crovettina, Crovettino, Karbonera, Croatina, Nebbiolo di Gattinara, Neretto, Spanna di Ghemme, Spanna-Nebbiolo, Uga del Zio, Uva delle Zia, Uva del Zio and Uva Vermiglia. Although it appears to have synonyms or morphological similarities, it must not be confused with Bonarda Piemontese, Hrvatica, Nebbiolo or Uva Rara. It was mentioned in the late 19th century in the Lombard area of Oltrepò Pavese, where it and the DOC wine made from it are called Bonarda. According to DNA analysis carried out in 1999, despite the same name meaning, there is no relationship with the Croatian variety Hrvatica. The Croatina variety was a crossing partner in the new Ervi breeding.
This late-maturing, high-yielding vine is resistant to powdery mildew, but sensitive to drought or drought. It produces colourful, tannin-rich red wines with fruity aromas. The variety is authorised in the DOC wines Colli Piacentini and Colli di Parma (Emilia-Romagna), Bramaterra, Cisterna d'Asti, Colline Novaresi and Colli Tortonesi (Piedmont) and Oltrepò Pavese (Lombardy). It is grown on 5,684 hectares in Italy and 16 hectares in Argentina. Small stocks are also planned in Croatia. The total area in 2010 was 5,700 hectares with a strong upward trend. This puts it in 106th place in the worldwide grape variety ranking (statistics Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)