The white grape variety comes from Italy. Synonyms are Groppello Bianco, Nosella, Nosellara, Nosilla, Nosiola Gentile, Nusiola, Nusiola Gentile, Asparagus, Sparger and Spatula. Despite morphological similarities, it must not be confused with the Durella variety. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2007, it is probably a natural cross between the Valais variety Rèze x unknown partners. Since Rèze is also a parent of Groppello di Revò, the synonym Groppello Bianco is explained. There is also a close genetic relationship with the Bonda variety. According to an unverifiable hypothesis she is a descendant of the Uva raetica mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79), from which the famous Raeticum was pressed.
The medium to late-maturing, low-yielding vine is sensitive to spring frost, as well as to trickle, powdery mildew and grape rot. It produces straw-yellow, fruity, rather low-acid white wines with aromas of citrus and hazelnut (Nosiola is probably derived from the Italian "nocciola" = hazelnut) with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is cultivated in the Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto regions, where it is permitted in the DOC wines Trentino and Valdadige (Etsch Valley). The variety is particularly suitable for the production of sweet wines and is used for a special Vino Santo version. In 2010, the Italian cultivated area was only 79 hectares with a strong downward trend (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)