Shoot tip: expanded, velvety, pale green with bronze shades.

Leaf: medium, pentagonal, pentalobate. Almost closed, U or V-shaped petiole sinus; V-shaped upper and lower lateral sinuses, the upper ones with slightly overlapping lobes.

Bunch: medium, oblong, pyramid-shaped, plain, quite dense.

Berry: medium, ellipsoid-obovoidal. Pruinose, purple skin; juicy and firm flesh, with a special taste.

Time of bud burst: intermediate

Flowering time: intermediate-late

Veraison: intermediate

Ripening: intermediate-late

Vigour: fair

Average bunch weight: 260 g (min 190 g – max 340 g)

Average berry weight: 3.3 g (min 2.9 g – max 3.8 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 1 3

Average rachis weight: 15 g

Fertility of buds: 2 – 1

Potential fertility: 1.3

Actually measured fertility: 0.9

Does not present particular problems. The oenological quality and the organoleptic features of the wine become poorer if the amount of grapes produced is too large.

Alcoholic content: 11 – 12.5 % by vol.

pH: 3.3 – 3.5

Total acidity: 5.5 – 6.5 g/l

In Apulia, the Ottavianello n. grape is used exclusively for wine-making, usually in blends with other varieties (Negroamaro, Malvasia nera, sometimes also with Primitivo) because of its ability to give the wine softness and fragrance. The result is a good table wine, ruby red in colour, with a scent of dried fruit and a slightly aromatic flavour.

The Ottavianello n. vine is present in part of Apulia and in particular in the Brindisi area. It is registered among the wine grape varieties suitable for cultivation throughout Apulia except for the province of Foggia. It is used for the production of Ostuni PDO wine.

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the Ottavianello n., revised and updated, is extracted from: Antonacci Donato (2006). Viti di Puglia, Adda publisher. Its use is granted by the author citing the source.