RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: The conclusion that Maiolica and Sanforte are the exact same grape variety was firmly established through comprehensive DNA profiling published in January 2021. The definitive genetic matching was performed as part of a massive grapevine mapping study titled "Parentage Atlas of Italian Grapevine Varieties as Inferred From SNP Genotyping Data", led by researcher Claudio D'Onofrio and his team proving that the rediscovered Tuscan variety Sanforte shares an identical genetic fingerprint with Maiolica, a black-berried grape historically grown along the Adriatic coast in Marche and Abruzzo.

Maiolica, documented in the Abruzzo region since the late 19^th century and almost forgotten where, today, it is cultivated in the provinces of Pescara and Chieti as well as Macerata in Marche. The ampelographic recovery began with the collection of scions from ancient vines in the historic areas of the grape variety, followed by the health assessment of the plants, the ampelographic characterization, and (starting in 2015) the first experimental microvinifications. As early as 2019, initial evaluations “displayed a distinctive profile, with acid-phenolic balance, aromatic finesse, and a good aptitude for single-varietal winemaking," (VignaMadre – see Maiolica producers)

The vine, registered in the National Catalogue of Grapevine Varieties in 1970, can ripen very late, especially inland depending on the altitude, thus subjecting it periodically to frost. It yields a colorful, spicy red wine with soft tannins, used mainly for blends.

First mentioned in 1773 and registered in the National Catalogue of Grapevine varieties in 2007, Sanforte is historically significant in the cooler, high altitude subzones of Chianti Classico where it demonstrates notable vigor and, accumulating sugar rapidly, ripens earlier than and, as such, bolsters the structure of underripe  Sangiovese.

Wines produced from Sanforte are typically more massive and deeply colored than those from Sangiovese, yet they retain a surprising degree of elegance. The flavor profile is distinctly savory, with a firm structure and complex earthy, herbal and leathery aromatics. These qualities combine to produce wines of powerful mouthfeel and notable aging potential.

Given their extreme rarity make Maiolica and Sanforte prized discoveries for collectors and enthusiasts dedicated to the conservation of Italy's rich viticultural heritage. Producers are listed below.

Sources: (https://iris.unimore.it/retrieve/e31e124f-1bc1-987f-e053-3705fe0a095a/Parentage%20Atlas.%20D%27Onofrio%20et%20al.%2015.01.2021%20fpls-11-605934.pdf);  (https://winesafariitalia.com/grapes/sanforte); (https://www.foodandwineitalia.com/la-rinascita-della-maiolica/); https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7874015/) &  (https://www.grapeminds.eu/grapes/sanforte-9963 );

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=7136

Parentage:? & Visparola

Tasting notes: The nose opens with aromas of plum, black cherry in alcohol, black pepper, sweet spices, dried violets, and coffee. The palate is full, soft, and velvety, with an extraordinarily long finish characterized by hints of chocolate.  Recommended serving temperature is 16 to 18 degrees.  Source: (https://www.retrogusti.com/articoli/il-sanforte-un-vitigno-prezioso-e-quasi-scomparso/)

Food Pairings: Given its dense structure and savory complexity, Sanforte pairs exceptionally well with traditional Tuscan fare, including grilled red meats, wild boar, slow-braised game, and aged pecorino or parmigiano.

As Abruzzese fare is different, Maiolica pairs beautifully with artisanal salami and prosciutto; wood-fired gourmet pizza or pasta with tomato sauce and, if served slightly chilled, its crisp acidity balances out rich fish dishes like Italian tomato-based fish stews (brodetto) or stewed cuttlefish.

Source: (https://grapeminds.eu/);  (https://www.winemeridian.com/)

Production areas: Terre di Chieti IGP, Terre Aquilane IGP, IGT Toscana Rosso

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/maiolica/ ; https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/sanforte/

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