White wine grape variety grown in Apulia

Rausano b.

Rausano b. is a vine of ancient cultivation in Apulia, traditionally present in the old vineyards to the north and south of the regional territory.

Origin and Historical Outline

About the white grape variety Rausano b., in the bibliography it is reported that the name Ragusano may be a synonym of the white grape variety Asprinio, Asprino.
The vine Rausano b. examined, known locally as Rausano – Ragusano, is present and has been found in some old Apulian vineyards, especially in the north of Apulia, where it was selected. Relevant research (Antonacci D. and Crespan M.) carried out also with the help of DNA analysis (on 10 loci) compared with the database of the Experimental Institute for Viticulture (currently CREA-VE), highlighted its difference from the Asprinio grape variety and the identification of Rausano b. with some accessions of vines such as Empibotte, Mostosa and Pagadebit, from Abruzzo and Marche. The Rausano b. vine has its strength in high productivity.

Synonyms

Ragusano bianco, Ragusano.

Shoot tip: open, white, downy.

Leaf: medium, pentalobate. Open U-shaped petiole sinus. Lyre-shaped upper lateral sinuses with slightly overlapping lobes and sometimes including a tooth.

Bunch: medium-large, medium dense or slightly loose, plain or winged, elongated, cone-shaped.

Berry: medium-small, subspheroidal. Medium thick, pruinose skin, grey-greenish bloom colour. Neutral taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate-early

Flowering time: intermediate

Veraison: intermediate

Ripening: late

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: considerable

Average bunch weight: 470 g (min 400 g – max 560 g)

Average berry weight: 2.1 g (min 1.7 g – max 2.5 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 2 1

Average rachis weight: 16 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 2

Potential fertility: 1.3

Actual fertility: 1.1

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

Given its considerable vigour, the vine is suited to abundant pruning and high training. High productivity.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 9 – 10 % by vol.

pH: 3 – 3.4

Total acidity: 6 – 8 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The grapes of the Rausano b. vine are used exclusively for wine-making. If the grapes are made into wine as a single variety, it can be difficult to store the wine in the summer for products with a lower alcohol content, unless it is kept in a cool place. The grapes lend themselves well to blending. If, on the other hand, they are vinified as a single wine, the wine is light and pleasant because of its freshness, although its alcohol content may be a little low. With slight ageing, it takes on an aroma of toasted hazelnuts.

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The Rausano b. vine is present in Apulia, both in the northern and southern parts of the region. Under the synonym Asprinio bianco (incorrect) it is considered to be one of the varieties suitable for cultivation in the Salento-Arco-Jonico-Salentino production area.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

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