RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Malbo Gentile is a red grape variety native to Emilia, particularly in the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena. The first mentions date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the variety appears in rural land registers and agronomic manuals, often grown alongside numerous local Lambrusco wines. The term “Gentile” was added to distinguish it from other, more rustic varieties and to underline its greater aromatic finesse and good docility in winemaking. Its history is deeply intertwined with that of Emilian wines. For centuries Malbo Gentile has been used as a complementary grape to give color, body and softness to Lambrusco wines. Only during the twentieth century did the variety obtain more precise recognition as an autonomous vine, also thanks to the recovery of old strains and the growing attention towards the ampelographic biodiversity of Emilia.

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1995, Malbo Gentile is a vigorous, fertile, and generally productive grape variety, with a medium-high yield that requires attention to avoid excessive growth and aromatic dilution. It exhibits good drought tolerance and reasonable resistance to the main fungal diseases.

Malbo Gentile grapes produce intensely colored musts, with a good anthocyanin content, soft tannins, and moderate acidity. Vinification generally takes place in stainless steel with short or medium macerations, designed to preserve the fruity character.
The grape imparts notes of ripe red and black fruit ( cherry, blackberry, plum ), light floral nuances, and a natural softness that makes it ideal for blending with Lambrusco, to which it adds color, roundness, and a touch of tannic smoothness.

(Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

According to DNA analyses carried out in 2005, there is a genetic relationship with the Fortana variety, also grown in Emilia Romagna.

(Courtesy of: https://glossario.wein.plus/malbo-gentile-2)

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=398

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes:  Malbo Gentile wines have an intense ruby ​​color with purple highlights. The nose reveals aromas of cherry, blackberry, berries, and occasionally a light floral note.

On the palate, they are soft, fruity, and smooth, with moderate acidity and sweet, rounded tannins. In the sparkling or re-fermented versions, often blended with Lambrusco, they contribute to a full-bodied and juicy drink, characterized by deep color and immediate pleasure. (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)  

Food pairings:  Malbo Gentile wines pair best with succulent, hearty, and meat-based dishes, as well as aged cheeses. Its high acidity and intense fruit flavors make it ideal for rich dishes, including Bolognese sauce, roast meats, game, and traditional salumi, especially when sparkling (Frizzante). 

Production areas: Reggiano DOC , Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC , Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC, and Colli di Scandiano e di Canossa DOC,

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/malbo-gentile-amabile-di-genova/

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