RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

 Grown in Calabria, the rare red grape Marsigliana Nera is bottled as a single-varietal by only one producer and pairs not only with red meat also well with fish.

The Marsigliana Nera grape is an ancient red grape variety traditionally grown along the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, particularly in the provinces of Cosenza and Catanzaro. For centuries, local winemakers have valued Marsigliana Nera primarily for the intensity of color it contributes when blended into other wines.

Historically, it has been the subject of considerable confusion, often mistaken for other varieties such as Greco Nero, Magliocco, Castiglione and Gaglioppo. Ampelographic studies have confirmed it as a distinct variety.

Although it can be sensitive to drought and water shortages, the vine shows medium-low vigor with good resistance to fungal diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, and traditionally reaches maturity in the mid-early part of the harvest season. Despite its restrained vigor, it can produce high yields under favorable conditions, making it a reliable variety for growers.

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1971, Marsigliana Nera is particularly widespread in hilly areas of Calabria, where it best expresses its potential.

Wines made from Marsigliana Nera display a deep garnet-red hue with attractive purple highlights. The bouquet is rich in red fruit aromas, while the palate offers medium alcohol, balanced acidity and a pleasing softness. Although often used in blends, its balanced structure, high anthocyanin content and vibrant color make it a valuable contributor to traditional Calabrian wines.

Wines produced from Marsigliana Nera are characteristically very tannic (I can attest to that) and dark. The grape’s inherent structure is so powerful that even with minimal skin contact, as one might do for a rosato, the resulting wine remains notably tannic and structured, essentially a ‘red wine with rosato clothing’ This tannic backbone suggests a potential for aging, though its primary expression is one of robust structure over overt fruitiness.

Sources: (https://www.quattrocalici.it/vitigni/marsigliana-nera/),  (https://www.italyabroad.com/grapes/marsigliana-nera);  &  https://winesafariitalia.com/grapes/marsigliana-nera

VIVC: https://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=7437

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: On the nose, Marsigliana Nera expresses a complex bouquet, with notes of ripe red fruit such as cherry and plum, accompanied by hints of sweet spices, Mediterranean herbs and a light hint of licorice. Hints of tobacco and cocoa also often emerge, especially in wines aged in wood.

On the palate, these wines are characterized by a robust structure, with present but well-integrated tannins and a good acidity that brings freshness to the palate. The finish is long and persistent, with fruity and spicy aftertaste. Wines based on Marsigliana Nera lend themselves well to aging, during which they develop further complexity and harmony.               

Source: (https://www.quattrocalici.it/vitigni/marsigliana-nera/)

Food Pairings:  Seafood and fish with sauces on top, mussels and white meat.                             Source: (https://www.santavenere.com/product.php?product_index=4)        

Production areas:  IGTs: Calabria, Val di Neto, Costa Viola, Locride, Palizzi and A Scavigna DOC (blend)

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/marsigliana-nera/

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