RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

The Scimiscià grapevine is a notably vigorous plant with stems that reach up to 1.5 m long. It is a grapevine that lends itself to expansive production also on living supports (olive trees) or in rocky areas. It is well adapted to difficult soil conditions and is not recommended for cultivation in fertile or humid areas. Production is regular and average, with a low number of grapes occurring in a second bloom that have difficulty reaching maturity. The compact grape bunches and thin skin may predispose the development of botrytis mold mainly due to wasp stings or other wounds. It has a lower tolerance to late blight compared to the Bianchetta Genovese grapes, while demonstrating less sensitivity to powdery mildew. This is typical of vines from Mediterranean environments and islands. The sugar content and acidity are normally higher than locally cultivated vines like Vermentino and Bianchetta Genovese.   In the second half of 1800s the cultivation of the grapevines in the district of Chiavari was widespread, however, the precise area cultivated is difficult to define, since the cultivation typical of the period was mixed and simultaneous with olive, mulberry, poplar and other trees. More than 100 varieties of grapes were grown, of which about 40 are recent introductions and not native. The Scimiscià or Çimixâ vine has been widely grown in the area of Genoa since ancient times; however there are no written documents that can help determine their exact place or era of origin. The grape, as shown by historical data, was widely cultivated in the district of Chiavari and especially in the Val Fontanabuona, where other varieties were once widespread and blended. The variety was mentioned in the memoirs of a local landowner written between 1802 and 1822.   It is currently present sporadically in many vineyards in many places of the valley (Cicagna, Leivi, Avegno, Camposasco, Lorsica) and is also present occasionally in Graveglia (Field of Nor and Zerli) and Chiavarese. This does not exclude the presence of Scimiscià in other wine-growing areas of the Tyrrhenian Sea, but its ancient cultivation is attributed to the lands around Genoa. Production, though, is very limited, and this variety has been displaced by international grape varieties with high yields that are adapted to various terrains and have higher awareness among consumers. 

(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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