The red grape variety originates from the border region Italy (Gorizia)-Slovenia (Goricia). It is a member of the Refosco Group. Synonyms are Cagnina, Crodarina, Istarski Teran, Rabiosa Nera, Refosco del Carso, Refosco d'lstria, Refosco Terrano, Refošk, Taran, Tarin, Teran, Terran, Terrana, Terrano del Carso and Terrano d'lstria. It must not be confused with either Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso or Refosco di Faedis, despite the fact that synonyms or morphological similarities appear to indicate this.
The Roman author Pliny the Elder (23-79) mentioned a "Nobile vinum pucinum" as being rich in therapeutic properties from the cross-border karst area, called "Carso" in Italy and "Kras" in Slovenia. Whether there is a connection between this ancient wine and the Terrano can of course no longer be verified. A first mention dates back to 1340 with white and red Terrano varieties. The medium to late ripening vine is resistant to frost and the main vine diseases. It produces acid and tannic red wines with aromas of wild berries and cherries.