The red grape variety originates from Albania; the name means "Black Shesh". Synonyms are Black Shesh, Serini Zi, Seshi Zi, Seski Zi, Shesh, Seshi i Zi and Sheshi Zi. It is named after the municipality of Shesh west of Tirana. Despite morphological similarities, it should not be confused with the varieties Serina e Zeze or Syrah, which is wrongly assumed to be a descendant. The parentage is unknown. Whether there is a possible genetic link to the white variety Shesh i Bardhë is not known. The late-ripening vine produces a ruby-red, mild wine with aromas of plums, apples and forest fruits. It is cultivated west of Tirana, where together with Shesh i Bardhë it accounts for about one third of the Albanian stock. However, no stock was recorded in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
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