Black berry wine grape variety grown in Apulia

Sumariello n.

The Sumarriello vine is of ancient cultivation in Apulia, especially in the centre-north of the region. It is different from Susumaniello, but similar to the Lacrima vine.

Origin and Historical Outline

The vine Sumarriello n., is of ancient cultivation in Apulia, especially in the centre-north of the region. Some studies (Antonacci D. et al.) identify it with a type of Lacrima grown there, while it is different from Susumaniello and Piedirosso. Among the different ‘Lacrima’, Rovasenda (1877) and Molon (1906) report a long series of vines, generally grown in central and southern Italy. The Sumarriello vine is sometimes mistakenly considered synonymous with the Uva di Troia vine, with which it is sometimes confused in vineyards in northern Apulia, in the area of the PDO wine Cacc’e Mitte di Lucera.

Synonyms

Somarello nero, Summarriello.

Shoot tip: with a curved axis and slightly tomentose, green with widespread anthocyanic pigmentation.

Leaf: medium, pentagonal, pentalobate. Open, Ushaped petiole sinus. U-shaped upper lateral sinuses with slightly overlapping lobes; U-shaped lower lateral sinuses.

Bunch: medium-small, pyramid-shaped, often with a wing, loose.

Berry: medium, roundish. Thick and compact skin, blue-black colour. Slightly aromatic taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate-early

Flowering time: intermediate

Veraison: intermediate

Ripening: intermediate

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: medium-good

Average bunch weight: 250 g (min 200 g – max 310 g)

Average berry weight: 2.5 g (min 2 g – max 3.1 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 1 3

Average rachis weight: 10 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 2

Potential fertility: 1.4

Actual fertility: 1.2

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

Vine with a medium-good vigour and inconsistent production; suited for a temperate climate.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 11 – 12.5 % by vol.

pH: 3.3 – 3.5

Total acidity: 5 – 7 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The Sumarriello n. vine is mainly used for the production of still wine, often in a blend with other vines, rarely as a single variety.

If vinified as a single variety, it provides a fine, balanced wine, ruby red in colour, with a full vinous bouquet, a dry, slightly aromatic flavour and a good alcohol content. It is suitable for drinking young or after moderate ageing.

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The Sumarriello n. vine is present in Apulia. It is sometimes confused with Uva di Troia, as in the case of the DOC wine growing area Cacc’e Mitte di Lucera.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the Sumarriello 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.