The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Don Bosco, Malvasia a Grappolo Corto, Malvasia Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Malvasia di Castelnuovo, Malvasia di Castelnuovo del Bosco, Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Malvasia Rosa. It is one of the numerous varieties with the name part Malvasia. It should not be confused with the varieties Malvasia di Casorzo, Malvasia Nera Lunga or Malvasia Rosa (mutation of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica), despite the synonyms or morphological similarities that seem to indicate it. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2020, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Muscat Blanc x unknown partner. The early to medium ripening vine is resistant to frost, powdery mildew and botrytis, but susceptible to downy mildew. It produces aromatic red wines. The variety is cultivated in Piedmont, where it is permitted in the DOC wines Collina Torinese and Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco. In 2016, 82 hectares of vines were reported with a falling trend (Kym Anderson).
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