RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

Rara neagră ("rare black") is an ancient, late-ripening grape variety from Moldova. It is thought to be the result of selective breeding that took place in the 14th century. Originally, this grape was cultivated in a territory that lies between present-day eastern Romania and southern Moldavia, and was widespread in the district of Ştefan Vodă, on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. Rara neagră is grown in several countries, under many different names: It is called băbească neagră (“grandmother’s black”) in Romania, rastrepa in Ukraine, and serekcija černaja in Russia.

The grape bunches are medium sized and sparse, with a conical or winged shape. The grapes themselves are flattened, or occasionally spherical, and covered with a bluish, waxy patina. The skin is medium thick and the pulp is juicy. The grapes ripen between the end of September and the beginning of October. Rara neagră is sensitive to frosts, but seldom affected by fungi and insects. It is used to make both wines and juices. Wines produced from rara neagră are ruby colored (sometimes with a hint of pomegranate), full bodied, and velvety. With time, they reveal notes of dried fruit and vanilla. Thanks to its high sugar content, this variety is often made into dessert wines.

Rara neagră was officially described in 1946, when it appeared in the Register of Plant Varieties of Moldova. Although it is widely grown in neighboring Romania, its production in Moldova is extremely limited, despite its historical and cultural importance. Its disappearance is largely due to the introduction of varieties such as Cabernet and Merlot, which are in high demand in both local and international markets.

(Source: Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/?fwp_arca_settore=wines-and-grape-varietals-en)

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