According to an unverifiable hypothesis, the ancient red wine Pucinum, already mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79), was pressed from a grape variety called Refosco (Refoschin, Refošk, Rifòsc, Rifosco) or an ancestor. The first confirmed mention of a variety called Refosco dates back to 6 June 1409, when a document reports a banquet in honour of Pope Gregory XII (1335-1417) with the following wines served: Marzemino from Gradiscutta, Ramandolo from Torlano, Ribolla from Rosazzo, Verduzzo from Faedis and Refosco from Albana.
Refosco is often mentioned in northern Italy (especially Friuli) and Slovenia, but its identity is uncertain. It is understood to be a group of mostly red grape varieties, some of which are related to each other:
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Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden