The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms include Durel, Durella, Durello, Durola Veronese, Groppello Bianco, Nosella, Nosellara, Nosilla, Nosiola Gentile, Nusiola, Nusiola Gentile, Spargelen, Spargeren, and Spatfelen. Ancestry It should not be confused with the variety Durella despite seemingly indicative synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses conducted in 2007, it is likely a natural cross between the Valais variety Rèze and an unknown partner. Since Rèze is also a parent of Groppello di Revò (with the synonym Nosiola Nero), this explains the synonym Groppello Bianco. There is also a genetic relationship to the variety Bonda. According to an unverifiable hypothesis, it is said to be a descendant of the Uva raetica mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79), from which the famous Raeticum was produced. Properties The medium to late ripening, low-yielding vine is sensitive to spring frost and prone to shatter, downy mildew, and bunch rot. It produces straw-yellow, fruity, rather low-acid white wines with aromas of citrus and hazelnut (Nosiola is derived from the Italian "nocciola" = hazelnut) with a slightly bitter taste. Cultivation Areas It is cultivated in the regions of Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto, where it is permitted in the DOC wines Trentino and Valdadige (Etschtaler). The variety is particularly suitable for the production of sweet wines and is used for a Vino Santo version. The Italian cultivation area amounts to 65 hectares; there is also a tiny stock of 0.1 hectares in Australia. In 2016, a total of 65 hectares of vineyard area were recorded, with a declining trend (Kym Anderson). Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012 Images: M.I.P.A.A.F - National Vine Certification Service.