The red grape variety originates from Italy (South Tyrol). There are about 50 synonyms, the most important being Blauer Urban, Kleinvernatsch, Margellana, Mittervernatsch, Patriarca, Prevedessa, Prevedone, Rother Vernatsch, Schiava Gentile Grigia, Schiava Gentile Media, Schiava Media, Schiava Piccola, Schwarzer Urban, Süßwälscher, Urbain Rouge, Urban and Zottelwälscher. The variety is a member of the heterogeneous name group Schiava. The parentage is unknown. It must not be confused with the varieties Schiava Grigia or Schiava Lombarda, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses, it was a parent of the Lagrein and Malvasia Nera di Bolzano varieties. The variety Roter Urban is a colour mutation. The medium-maturing vine is susceptible to powdery mildew and grape rot. It produces fruity red wines with soft tannins and aromas of almonds and violets. The variety is cultivated in the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy. In 2016, 165 hectares of vineyards were designated (Kym Anderson).
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