RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Grown 50 km. south of Rome, Nero Buono is said to have been brought to Lazio by the
Roman consul Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus.

It is unfortunately particularly difficult to grow as it dislikes rain and damp conditions and its closely
packed bunches are prone to mould without constant breezes to dry the berries.

Used traditionally as a blending varietal, studies were carried out a few years ago which confirmed its
great potential. The first to believe in this grape variety were the members of the Cincinnato cooperative winery. As there were already early signs of a consumer shift towards local wines, members of the co-op were convinced to focus solely on native grape varieties, commencing with Nero Buono.

RECENT UPDATE FROM CINCINNATO: "At Cincinnato, we carried out the DNA mapping of Nero Buono in the early 2000s. The study was then repeated in the 2020s together with Fondazione Edmund Mach in San Michele all’Adige, and it confirmed the unique genetic identity of this variety. As far as we know today, Nero Buono has no known second-degree relatives, which makes it even more fascinating and strongly linked to our territory."

The Nero Buono grape variety is a native Lazio grape, wrongly considered a "minor" variety and
therefore often forgotten. In fact, it is grown almost exclusively in the municipality of Cori, but is slowly
spreading to other areas of the Castelli Romani, the Agro Pontino and the Ciociaria. It is included in
the Cori Rosso DOC, often blended with Montepulciano or Cesanese, but some producers have begun to vinify it as a single varietal, demonstrating its potential for quality wines capable of expressing the
territory in a direct and modern way.

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1971, it is a grape variety rich in
anthocyanins, so much so that it is sometimes even described as a "coloring" grape, and as such is used in blends to enhance the color of the wine. However, for some time now, it has attracted interest from various producers who are also vinifying it as a single varietal, with very encouraging results.

A single varietal Nero Buono wine presents notes of wild berries on the nose, and is enveloping on the palate,full-bodied, and with a lively acidity.

The barrique aging that some producers use brings out spicy notes on the nose and softens the already naturally velvety tannins. Elegant aging rewards the wine with the development of notes
of licorice and cocoa.

From an oenological perspective, Nero Buono produces colorful, intense, medium-bodied wines
with good acidity and soft tannins, making it suitable for both stainless steel vinification for younger
consumption and for aging in wood or amphorae for greater complexity. It is also versatile in blends,
where it adds fruit, freshness and color, but when blended alone, it powerfully expresses the rustic,
sunny character of inland Lazio.

In the cooler climates it maintains good natural acidity, while in the warmer areas it develops greater
roundness and sweetness of the fruit. 
(Courtesy of: https://www.cincinnato.it/ & https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=8490

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: Nero Buono wines have a deep ruby red color with bright purple reflections. On the
nose, they express themselves with intense aromas of ripe red fruits (cherry, blackberry, plum), sweet
spices (black pepper, cloves), balsamic notes and a slight hint of blood or iron, which contributes to the complexity.
On the palate, they are soft and balanced, with well-polished tannins, a pleasant freshness, and a fruity spicy finish that makes them easily recognizable. (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

Food pairings: It pairs perfectly with hearty Roman and Lazio cuisine, roasted or stewed red meats,
pasta dishes with rich meat sauces, and medium-aged cheeses. Thanks to its soft tannins and refreshing acidity, Nero Buono is versatile, capable of balancing the fattiness of the meat.

Production areas: Cori Rosso/Nero Buono DOC (The most significant)

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/nero-buono-di-cori-nero-buono/

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