The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Berzemina di Breganze, Champagna, Frutignan, Sampagna and Sciampagna. It must not be confused with the Chasselas variety (synonym Marzemina Bianca). According to DNA analyses carried out in 2008, the variety originates from a presumably natural cross between the red variety Marzemino and the white variety Garganega (at least there are parent-offspring relationships between the three varieties). A direct descendant is the Raboso Veronese variety. This medium-maturing, not very productive vine produces a fragrant, fruity white wine with aromas of hay, green apples and a slightly bitter aftertaste. In 1793, Pietro Caronelli (1736-1801), then president of the Academy of Agronomy of Conegliano, called it the "queen among grapes". At that time it was widespread in Veneto. Today it is permitted there in the DOC wines Bagnoli di Sopra and Colli di Conegliano. In 2016, 55 hectares of vines were designated (Kym Anderson).
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For my many years of work as an editor with a wine and culinary focus, I always like to inform myself about special questions at Wine lexicon. Spontaneous reading and following links often leads to exciting discoveries in the wide world of wine.
Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien