RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

An Emilian translation for the French chasselas, saslà is a white grape variety grown in the hills of Bologna, between Monteveglio, Bazzano, and Casalecchio.

The grape bunch consists of small, round berries with very shiny and thin skin, which is golden in color. It has a rather early maturation and is harvested in the middle of August. In the past this variety was used to make wine, but now it is mainly consumed as a table grape. Most of the farms in the valleys of Samoggia and Reno grew this grape and sold it, not only across Italy, but also abroad (e.g. in Germany and Austria). The product was traditionally packed in trays made of cottonwood, and women were usually employed to remove immature or rotten berries using scissors called giurein.

In the 60s, table grape varieties from central and southern Italy (especially from Abruzzo) began to be developed for high disease resistance and large berry size. Because it is very delicate and harvesting it is difficult, the saslà grape has declined. Today only a small number of farmers still grow this grape, and sell it directly to consumers.

(Courtesy of Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/sasla-grape/

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