White wine grape variety grown in Apulia

Verdicchio b.

Verdicchio b. is a vine present in several Italian regions and also in Apulia, where it is suitable for cultivation throughout the region.

Origin and Historical Outline

The Verdicchio b. white wine grape variety has been cultivated in the provinces of the Marche region for a very long time. Its origin and time of introduction are unknown. Its name is said to derive from the green colour of the grapes and the greenish reflections of its wine. It has spread and is present in several Italian regions and also in Apulia.

Synonyms

Trebbiano di Soave, Trebbiano verde, Trebbiano veronese, Turbiano, Uva aminea, Uva marana, Verdicchio marchigiano, Verdone.

Shoot tip: fan-shaped, fluffy, green-whitish with light pink shades along the edge.

Leaf: medium, circular or pentagonal, pentalobate or trilobate. Closed U-shaped petiole sinus with sometimes overlapping lobes. U-shaped upper lateral sinuses with slightly overlapping lobes; open V-shaped lower lateral sinuses, if present.

Bunch: medium-large, pyramid-shaped or cylindrical-conical, winged, dense or semi-dense.

Berry: small-medium, round; medium-pruinose, green-yellowish skin; juicy flesh.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate

Flowering time: intermediate

Veraison: intermediate

ipening: intermediate

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: medium-high

Average bunch weight: 420 g (min 350 g – max 480 g)

Average berry weight: 1.8 g (min 1.4 g – max 2.2 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 2 4

Average rachis weight: 17 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 2

Potential fertility: 1.2

Actual fertility: 1.0

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

Medium and quite consistent production. The best results are attained on hilly, clayey-calcareous soils with a good exposure, free from excess moisture during ripening. The most suitable training methods are medium high ones, with long pruning.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Grado alcolico: 11,5 – 12,5 vol. %.

pH: 3,1 – 3,3.

Acidità totale: 7 – 9,5 g/l.

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The Verdicchio b. vine is used exclusively for vinification. When vinified in a blend with other grapes, it gives the wine body and finesse. It is a variety that is included in the composition of many PDO wines, both as the main variety and as a secondary variety.

An excellent table wine, it also lends itself well to the production of raisin wine and spumante charmat method wines. Straw yellow colour with greenish reflections, intensely perfumed, with an aroma of bitter almonds. Also suitable for short ageing, as it has good acidity.

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The Verdicchio b. vine is widespread and cultivated mainly in the Marche region. The vine is present in Apulia. It is registered among the varieties suitable for cultivation in the whole region.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the Verdicchio 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.