White grape variety cultivated in Puglia

Bianco di Alessano b.

The grape variety Bianco d’Alessano b. is present in Apulia, mainly in Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, in the traditional areas dedicated to quality white wines.

Origin and Historical Outline

The origin of the vine Bianco d’Alessano b. is not known. We know its presence in Apulia in the area of Murge Martinesi since 1870. Currently it is mainly cultivated in the municipalities of Martina Franca (TA), Costernino(BR), Locorotondo (BA) and Crispiano (TA). Almost always the “Bianco d’Alessano” is cultivated in consociation with the “Verdeca”, with the tendency of this to be prevalent.

Synonyms

Acchiappapalmento, Bianco di Lessano, Verdurino

Shoot tip: expanded, downy, with carmine margins.

Leaf: medium-large, circular. V or U-shaped petiole sinus; V or U-shaped lateral sinuses; hairless upper side, green with green veins, slightly red in the initial part. Almost flat blade, fairly thick, with a slightly wavy surface.

Bunch: medium, with a conical-cylindrical shape, plain or winged, fairly dense.

Berry: medium-low weight, spherical, with thick and pruinose, uniformly yellow skin, juicy flesh with a neutral taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate-late

Flowering time: intermediate

Veraison: intermediate-late

Ripening: intermediate-late

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: medium

Average bunch weight: 310 g (min 220 g – max 410 g)

Average berry weight: 2.3 g (min 2 g – max 2.7 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 2 3

Average rachis weight: 20 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 2

Potential fertility: 1.5

Actual fertility: 1.3

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

Adapts very well to hilly, clayey, calcareous-siliceous, medium deep soils; abundant yield.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 11 13 % by vol.

pH: 3.20 3.45

Total acidity: 5 9 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The Bianco di Alessano is used exclusively for vinification. It is processed almost always in blends with other varieties, particularly with Verdeca in the area of Martina Franca. In Apulia, it is employed in the production of the QWpsr’ s Martina or Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Gravina, Lizzano and Ostuni.
Processed as a single variety, it produces a wine with an agreeable bouquet and straw white colour. Neutral, fresh and dry taste. Not suitable for ageing.

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The vine Bianco di Alessano is present in Apulia in considerable amounts in the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, the traditional districts for the production of quality white wines. It is registered among the varieties suited to being grown in the whole of Apulian region.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the White of Alessano b. vine 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.