Wine grape variety cultivated in Apulia

Trebbiano Toscano b.

The white grape vine Trebbiano Toscano b., widespread in central and southern Italy, is very important in Apulia, where it is suitable for cultivation throughout the region.

Origin and Historical Outline

The white Trebbiano Toscano b. wine grape variety probably originates from the eastern Mediterranean basin. It is widespread in Italy in the central and southern areas, including the islands; it is more limited in the north, in the warmer areas. In Italy, it was firsmentioned in 1200 in Siena. It is very common in Apulia.

Synonyms

Biancame, Biancone, Boriano, Brocanico, Brucanico, Bubbiano, Coda di Cavallo, Malvasia fina, Passerina, Procanico, Santoro, Talia, Trebbiano, Trebbianello, Trebbianone, Ugni blanc, Uva bianca.

Shoot tip: semi-expanded, downy, white with carmine edges.

Leaf: large or medium-large, pentagonal, pentalobate, with involute profile and very bullate blade. Closed lyre-shaped petiole sinus with overlapping lobes. Lyre-shaped upper lateral sinuses, with overlapping lobes; barely marked lower lateral sinuses, with parallel edges or narrow V-shaped.

Bunch: large or medium-large, cylindrical-conical, elongated, winged with 1-2 wings, dense or semiloose, often with bifurcate tip.

Berry: medium, spheroidal, with more or less pruinose, yellow-green or yellow-reddish skin; juicy, medium firm flesh with a neutral taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate-late

Flowering time: intermediate

Veraison: intermediate

Ripening: intermediate-late

Isoenzymes

GPI: 1

PGM: 14

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: considerable

Average bunch weight: 370 g (min 230 g – max 590 g)

Average berry weight: 1.7 g (min 1.4 g – max 2.1 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 1 2

Average rachis weight: 22 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 2

Potential fertility: 1.5

Actual fertility: 1.2

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

Very abundant and consistent production. Adapts to various types of soil, although it thrives best on medium-fertile soils and in non-windy areas with rare drought. Prefers long pruning.

Displays normal tolerance to the most common vine diseases; given its late bud burst, it is quite resistant to spring frost, whereas it is susceptible to the effects of wind.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 10.5 – 12 % by vol.

pH: 3.1 – 3.3

Total acidity: 5.5 – 7 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The grapes of the Trebbiano Toscano b. variety are used exclusively for vinification. It is almost always used in blends with other grape varieties. The wine is more or less straw-coloured, not very fragrant, moderately alcoholic, with a neutral flavour.

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The Trebbiano Toscano b. vine is present in Apulia to a considerable extent. It is registered among the varieties suitable for cultivation throughout the region. It is included in several PDO wine production regulations in Central and Southern Italy.

In Apulia it is used for the production of QWpsr Gravina, Lizzano, Orta Nova, Rosso di Cerignola, San Severo, Cacc’è Mitte di Lucera, Gioia del Colle…

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

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