The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Abbruzzese, Albese, Amaro Nero, Arbise, Don Ambrosio, Jonico, Lacrima, Negro Amaro, Nero Amaro, Mangiaverme, Mentuonico, Morese, Negra Della Lorena, Nero Leccese, Nigroamaro, Purcinara, San Marcuno, Uva Cane and Uva Olivella. The name means "black bitterness" (high tannin content) or is an emphasis (lat. nigra and grch. mavro for black) of the dark berry colour.

According to one hypothesis, an ancestor was allegedly introduced by Greek colonists as early as the 7th century BC. The ancestry (parentage) is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2011, however, no links to Greek varieties could be established. A suspected...
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