What is Negroamaro, and what is its primary characteristic?

Negroamaro is a red wine grape variety that is native to southern Italy. Its name literally translates to "black [and] bitter," hinting at the deep color and potentially robust flavor profile of wines made from this grape.

Where is the Negroamaro grape variety predominantly grown?

The Negroamaro grape is grown almost exclusively in the region of Apulia, located in southern Italy. It is particularly concentrated in the Salento peninsula, which forms the "heel" of Italy's boot shape.

What are the typical characteristics of wines produced from Negroamaro grapes?

Wines made from Negroamaro grapes are known for their deep color and a rustic character. They often combine aromatic qualities with an earthy bitterness, contributing to a distinctive flavor profile.

Which other grape variety is frequently blended with Negroamaro in Apulia to create notable red wines?

Negroamaro is often blended with the highly scented Malvasia Nera grape. This combination is particularly famous in the production of wines like Salice Salentino.

What are the two proposed etymological origins for the 'amaro' part of the Negroamaro name?

There is a debate regarding the origin of the 'amaro' component of Negroamaro's name. One theory suggests it comes from the Italian word for "bitter," while another proposes it derives from the ancient Greek word 'mavro,' which also means "black."

If the 'amaro' part of the name originates from the Greek 'mavro,' what ancient wine and historical connection might it share?

If 'amaro' derives from the Greek 'mavro' (black), it might share a root with 'merum,' a type of wine that was introduced to Apulia by Illyrian colonists before the Greeks established settlements in the 7th century BC. This suggests a very ancient lineage for wines in the region.

What historical evidence suggests winemaking has a long history in the Salento region where Negroamaro is grown?

Ancient Roman writers like Horace mentioned 'mera tarantina' from Taranto, and Pliny the Elder described Manduria as 'viticulosa,' meaning 'full of vineyards.' This indicates a significant presence of viticulture in the area dating back to antiquity.

How did winemaking practices evolve in Apulia following the decline of the Roman Empire?

After the fall of the Roman Empire, winemaking in Apulia experienced a decline. Its continuity was primarily maintained within monastic communities, specifically Benedictine monasteries on the Murgia plateau and Greek Orthodox monasteries in Salento.

What are two possible historical pathways for the Negroamaro grape's presence in Apulia?

Negroamaro could potentially be the ancient grape used to produce the 'merum' wine mentioned by Roman writers. Alternatively, it might have been introduced to the region by traders from Asia Minor, a historical center of winemaking, at any point over the last 8,000 years.

What recent discovery has been made regarding Negroamaro?

Recently, 'Negroamaro precoce' has been identified as a distinct clone of the Negroamaro grape variety.

What genetic analysis has been performed on Negroamaro, and what potential relationships does it suggest?

Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis has been conducted on Negroamaro. This genetic analysis suggests that the cultivar is loosely related to other Italian grape varieties such as Verdicchio (also known as Verdeca) and Sangiovese.

Are Negroamaro grapes used for purposes other than wine production?

No, the Negroamaro grapes are exclusively utilized for wine-making. They are not used for table grapes or other purposes.

How is Negroamaro typically employed in wine blends?

While 100% varietal Negroamaro wines are produced, it is more commonly used as the primary grape, forming the dominant component in blends. This allows its characteristic flavors and structure to define the wine.

Besides Malvasia Nera, what other grape varieties are frequently blended with Negroamaro?

In addition to Malvasia Nera, Negroamaro is often blended with Sangiovese and Montepulciano. These blends contribute different aromatic and structural elements to the final wine.

What different wine styles can be produced from Negroamaro grapes?

While the most common style is red wine, Negroamaro is also used to produce rosato (rosé) wines, which are gaining popularity. White versions of Negroamaro wines are also made, though less common.

Are Negroamaro wines typically still or effervescent?

Negroamaro wines are usually still wines. However, frizzante (lightly sparkling) versions are also produced, though they are less common than still wines.

What is the minimum percentage of Negroamaro required for Leverano Negroamaro Rosso DOC?

Leverano Negroamaro Rosso DOC wines must contain between 85% and 100% Negroamaro grapes. This designation applies to wines produced in the province of Lecce.

Which DOC wines from the province of Taranto must contain at least 85% Negroamaro?

Lizzano Negroamaro Rosato, Lizzano Negroamaro Rosso, and Lizzano Negroamaro Rosso Superiore are DOC wines from the province of Taranto that require a minimum of 85% Negroamaro.

What is the Negroamaro percentage requirement for Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva DOC?

Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva DOC, produced in the provinces of Brindisi and Lecce, must contain between 85% and 100% Negroamaro grapes.

What are the Negroamaro percentage requirements for Brindisi Rosso and Brindisi Rosso Riserva DOC wines?

Brindisi Rosso and Brindisi Rosso Riserva DOC wines, produced in the province of Brindisi, must contain between 70% and 100% Negroamaro grapes.

Which DOC wines from the province of Lecce require a minimum of 70% Negroamaro?

Copertino Rosato, Copertino Rosso, Copertino Rosso Riserva, Matino Rosato, and Matino Rosso are DOC wines from the province of Lecce that must contain between 70% and 100% Negroamaro grapes.

What is the Negroamaro content for Squinzano Rosso Riserva DOC?

Squinzano Rosso Riserva DOC, produced in the provinces of Brindisi and Lecce, requires a Negroamaro content of 70% to 100%.

What is the minimum Negroamaro percentage for Galatina Rosso DOC?

Galatina Rosso DOC, produced in the province of Lecce, must contain at least 65% Negroamaro grapes.

What is the specified range of Negroamaro for Lizzano Rosso Frizzante DOC?

Lizzano Rosso Frizzante DOC, produced in the province of Taranto, must contain between 60% and 80% Negroamaro grapes. This also applies to other Lizzano variants like Lizzano Rosato Frizzante and Lizzano Rosso Giovane.

What is the Negroamaro percentage range for Leverano Rosso Riserva DOC?

Leverano Rosso Riserva DOC, produced in the province of Lecce, must contain between 50% and 100% Negroamaro grapes. This range also applies to Leverano Novello, Rosato, and Rosso.

What is the Negroamaro percentage requirement for Rosso di Cerignola DOC wines?

Rosso di Cerignola DOC and Rosso di Cerignola Riserva DOC, produced in the province of Foggia, require a Negroamaro content of 15% to 30%.

What is the minimum Negroamaro percentage for Puglia Negroamaro IGT wines?

Puglia Negroamaro IGT wines, including frizzante and novello versions, must contain between 85% and 100% Negroamaro grapes.

What are the Negroamaro percentage requirements for Salento Rosato Negroamaro IGT wines?

Salento Rosato Negroamaro IGT wines, including frizzante versions, must contain between 70% and 100% Negroamaro grapes.

What is the Negroamaro percentage range for Tarantino Negroamaro IGT wines?

Tarantino Negroamaro IGT wines, including frizzante versions, must contain between 70% and 80% Negroamaro grapes.

Describe the general characteristics of the Negroamaro vine in terms of growth and yield.

The Negroamaro vine is known for being vigorous and high-yielding. This means it grows strongly and can produce a large amount of fruit per vine.

What are the soil preferences and adaptability of the Negroamaro vine?

Negroamaro vines show a preference for calcareous and limey soils. However, they are quite adaptable and can readily adjust to growing in other soil types as well.

How does the Negroamaro vine perform in the hot climate of Puglia?

The vine is very well-suited to Puglia's hot summers. It exhibits good drought resistance, making it resilient in the warm, often dry conditions of the region.

What are the physical characteristics of Negroamaro grapes?

Negroamaro grapes are typically medium-large and oval in shape. They have thick skins and are a deep black-violet color. The grape bunches themselves are moderately sized, weighing around 300 to 350 grams.

When do Negroamaro grapes typically reach maturity for harvest?

Negroamaro grapes ripen during the mid-season period, usually from late September through early October. This timing is crucial for achieving optimal sugar and flavor development.

Who is identified as the first producer of Negroamaro in the United States?

Chiarito Vineyards, located in Ukiah, California (Mendocino County), is noted as the first American producer of Negroamaro wine.

Can you list at least five synonyms for the Negroamaro grape variety?

Yes, some synonyms for Negroamaro include: Abbruzzese, Abruzzese, Amaro Nero, Jonico, Mangiaverde, Morese, and Uva cane. The Vitis International Variety Catalogue lists numerous others.

What is the VIVC number associated with the Negroamaro grape?

The Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC) assigns the number 8456 to the Negroamaro grape variety.

What does the image accompanying the Negroamaro article depict?

The image shows a cluster of Negroamaro grapes in a laboratory setting, illustrating the appearance of the fruit from which the wine is made.

What is the significance of the 'shortdescription nomobile noexcerpt noprint searchaux' class applied to the Negroamaro article's introductory div?

This indicates that the element contains a brief description of Negroamaro, intended for display on mobile devices and search results, but is not part of the main article excerpt and is not intended for printing or direct searching.

What is the purpose of the hatnote directing readers away from the band Negramaro?

The hatnote serves to clarify that the article is about the grape varietal named Negroamaro, and not about the Italian band that shares a similar name (Negramaro), preventing potential confusion for readers.

What does the term 'vernacular' refer to in the context of the Negroamaro infobox?

In the infobox, 'vernacular' refers to the common name or everyday term for the Negroamaro, which is identified as a 'Grape' (Vitis).

What does the binomial name *Vitis vinifera* signify in relation to Negroamaro?

The binomial name *Vitis vinifera* indicates that Negroamaro belongs to the species *Vitis vinifera*, which is the common grape species used for winemaking worldwide. It signifies its scientific classification within the plant kingdom.

What does the 'Also called' field in the infobox suggest about Negroamaro's identity?

The 'Also called' field, listing names like Ne(g)ro Amaro and Abruzzese, indicates that Negroamaro is known by various regional or historical names, highlighting its long presence and potential variations in naming across different areas.

What does the 'Notable regions' field in the infobox specify for Negroamaro?

The 'Notable regions' field specifies that Apulia is the most significant region for Negroamaro cultivation. This highlights the grape's strong association with this specific Italian wine-producing area.

What does the reference to 'mera tarantina' and 'viticulosa' suggest about the history of Negroamaro?

These references suggest that grapes, potentially including Negroamaro or its ancestors, were cultivated in the Taranto and Manduria areas of Apulia during Roman times, indicating a very long history of viticulture in the region.

What is the significance of the 'List of permitted DOC wines' section?

This section details specific Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wines from various Italian provinces where Negroamaro is a permitted grape variety, specifying the minimum percentage required for each wine type.

What is the purpose of the 'List of permitted IGT wines' section?

This section outlines Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wines, a classification below DOC, where Negroamaro is permitted. It specifies the minimum percentage of Negroamaro required for these wines, often covering broader regional designations like Puglia or Salento.

What does the 'Vine and viticulture' section describe about the Negroamaro plant?

This section details the Negroamaro vine's characteristics, such as its vigor, high yield, soil preferences (calcareous, limey), adaptability, drought resistance, and the physical attributes of its grapes (size, shape, color, bunch weight), as well as its ripening period.

What is the function of the 'Synonyms' section for Negroamaro?

The 'Synonyms' section lists various alternative names by which the Negroamaro grape is known. This is important for tracking the grape's identity across different regions and historical records, as grape names can vary significantly.

What is mentioned in the 'See also' section regarding Negroamaro?

The 'See also' section mentions Primitivo, another grape variety from the same region, noting its similarity and its better-known identity in the USA as Zinfandel. This provides context by linking Negroamaro to other significant Italian red grape varieties.

Negroamaro Wiki: Negroamaro: An In-depth Examination of a Southern Italian Viticultural Gem

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What is Negroamaro?

A Distinctive Red Varietal

Negroamaro, occasionally rendered as Negro amaro, is a red wine grape varietal indigenous to Southern Italy. Its name, translating to "black [and] bitter," hints at the profound color and characteristic flavor profile it imparts to wines.^[1]

Geographic Heartlands

This grape is cultivated almost exclusively within the region of Apulia (Puglia), with a particular concentration in the Salento peninsula, which forms the 'heel' of Italy. Its deep color and rustic character are intrinsically linked to this Mediterranean terroir.^[1]

Vinicultural Significance

Negroamaro is instrumental in producing some of Apulia's finest red wines. It is often blended with the highly aromatic Malvasia Nera grape, a combination famously exemplified in wines such as Salice Salentino.^[1]

History and Etymology

The Name's Origin

The etymology of "Negroamaro" is subject to scholarly debate. While negro unequivocally derives from the Italian and Latin word for "black," the origin of amaro is less certain. One theory posits it stems from the Italian word for "bitter." Alternatively, it may originate from the ancient Greek word mavro, also meaning "black." If the latter is true, mavro could share a root with merum, a wine introduced to Apulia by Illyrian colonists prior to the 7th century BC.^[1]^[2]

Ancient Roots and Monastic Preservation

Historical accounts from Roman writers like Horace and Pliny the Elder mention viticultural activity in the Taranto and Manduria areas, suggesting a long history of winemaking in the region.^[1] Following the decline of the Roman Empire, winemaking traditions were largely sustained by monastic orders, specifically Benedictine monks in Murgia and Greek Orthodox communities in Salento. It is plausible that Negroamaro was the grape variety used for the merum wine or was introduced by traders from ancient winemaking centers in Asia Minor over the last eight millennia.^[1]

Genetic Insights

Modern genetic analysis, specifically Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) studies, suggests that Negroamaro is distantly related to other Italian varietals such as Verdicchio (also known as Verdeca) and Sangiovese.^[3] A distinct clone, Negroamaro precoce, has also been identified.

Distribution and Viticulture

Apulian Dominance

The cultivation of Negroamaro is overwhelmingly concentrated in the Apulia region of Southern Italy, particularly within the Salento peninsula. While 100% varietal wines are produced, it is frequently employed as the primary component in blends with other local and international varieties.

Vine Characteristics

The Negroamaro vine is characterized by its vigor and high yield potential. It exhibits a preference for calcareous and lime-rich soils but demonstrates considerable adaptability to various soil types. The grape thrives in Apulia's warm, dry summers, possessing good drought resistance. Bunches typically weigh between 300-350 grams, carrying oval, medium-large berries with thick, dark violet skins. Negroamaro ripens mid-season, usually in late September to early October.^[4]

North American Presence

While predominantly an Italian varietal, the first American producer of Negroamaro is noted to be Chiarito Vineyards, located in Ukiah, California, within Mendocino County.

Permitted DOC Wines

The Negroamaro grape is a key component in numerous Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wines, particularly within the provinces of Lecce, Taranto, and Brindisi. The following tables detail the specific requirements for Negroamaro content in these designated wines.

Province of Lecce & Taranto

Province of Lecce
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Alezio Riserva	85%–100%
Alezio Rosato	85%–100%
Alezio Rosso	85%–100%
Nardò Rosato	85%–100%
Nardò Rosso	85%–100%
Nardò Rosso Riserva	85%–100%
Galatina Rosso	65%–100%

Province of Taranto
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Leverano Negroamaro Rosato	85%–100%
Leverano Negroamaro Rosso	85%–100%
Lizzano Negroamaro Rosato	85%–100%
Lizzano Negroamaro Rosso	85%–100%
Lizzano Negroamaro Rosso Superiore	85%–100%
Lizzano	60%–80%
Lizzano Rosato	60%–80%
Lizzano Rosato Frizzante	60%–80%
Lizzano Rosato Giovane	60%–80%
Lizzano Rosato Spumante	60%–80%
Lizzano Rosso	60%–80%
Lizzano Rosso Frizzante	60%–80%
Lizzano Rosso Giovane	60%–80%

Provinces of Brindisi & Lecce

Provinces of Brindisi and Lecce
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Salice Salentino	85%–100%
Salice Salentino Rosato	85%–100%
Salice Salentino Rosso	85%–100%
Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva	85%–100%
Brindisi Rosato	70%–100%
Brindisi Rosso	70%–100%
Brindisi Rosso Riserva	70%–100%
Copertino Rosato	70%–100%
Copertino Rosso	70%–100%
Copertino Rosso Riserva	70%–100%
Matino Rosato	70%–100%
Matino Rosso	70%–100%
Squinzano Rosato	70%–100%
Squinzano Rosso	70%–100%
Squinzano Rosso Riserva	70%–100%

Province of Lecce (Additional)
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Leverano Novello	50%–100%
Leverano Rosato	50%–100%
Leverano Rosso	50%–100%
Leverano Rosso Riserva	50%–100%

Permitted IGT Wines

In addition to DOC classifications, Negroamaro is also recognized in various Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wines, offering broader regional designations. The following outlines the typical Negroamaro content for these IGT wines.

Regional Designations

Puglia IGT
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Puglia Negroamaro	85%–100%
Puglia Negroamaro frizzante	85%–100%
Puglia Negroamaro novello	85%–100%
Valle d’Itria Negroamaro	85%–100%
Valle d’Itria Negroamaro frizzante	85%–100%
Valle d’Itria Negroamaro novello	85%–100%
Salento Negroamaro	85%–100%
Salento Negroamaro frizzante	85%–100%
Salento Negroamaro novello	85%–100%
Daunia Negroamaro	85%–100%
Daunia Negroamaro frizzante	85%–100%

Salento IGT
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Salento Rosato Negroamaro	70%–100%
Salento Rosato Negroamaro frizzante	70%–100%

Tarantino IGT
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Tarantino Negroamaro	70%–80%
Tarantino Negroamaro frizzante	70%–80%

Rosso di Cerignola IGT (Province of Foggia)
Wine Name	Negroamaro %
Rosso di Cerignola	15%–30%
Rosso di Cerignola Riserva	15%–30%

Vine and Viticulture

Cultivation Requirements

The Negroamaro vine exhibits robust vigor and a propensity for high yields. It demonstrates a distinct preference for calcareous soils rich in lime but is notably adaptable to a range of other soil types. The plant is well-suited to the arid conditions of Apulia's climate, showcasing commendable drought resistance, a critical trait for viticulture in this Mediterranean region.

Grape Characteristics

The grape bunches are typically medium-sized, weighing approximately 300–350 grams. The individual grapes are oval, of a medium-large size, and possess thick skins that are deep black-violet in color. This thick skin contributes significantly to the wine's intense color and tannic structure.

Ripening Cycle

Negroamaro is considered a mid-season ripening varietal. Optimal harvest times generally fall between late September and early October, allowing the grapes to achieve full phenolic and sugar ripeness under the prevailing climatic conditions.

Synonyms and Aliases

Recognized Names

Across its history and regions of cultivation, Negroamaro has been known by various names. These synonyms reflect historical trade routes, local dialect variations, and potential misidentifications. The primary recognized synonyms include:

Abbruzzese
Abruzzese
Albese
Amaro Nero
Amaronero
Arbese
Arbi(s)e
Jonico
Lacrima
Lacrimo
Mangia Verde
Mangiaverde
Mangiaverme
Morese
Negra Della Lorena
Negramaro
Nero Amaro
Nero Leccese
Nicra Amaro
Niuri Maru
Niuru Maru
San Lorenzo
San Marzuno
Uva cane

^[6]

Related Varieties

Proximity to Primitivo

Negroamaro shares regional and historical connections with other significant Southern Italian grape varietals. Notably, it is often discussed alongside Primitivo, a grape varietal that is genetically identical to Zinfandel, widely known in the United States.^[7] While distinct, their co-existence and use in similar winemaking traditions highlight the rich viticultural landscape of Apulia.

External Resources

Official Databases

Access detailed varietal information and bibliographical data from authoritative sources:

VIVC Bibliography: Vitis International Variety Catalogue

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References

There are still enclaves of Salento where Griko, a form of Greek, is spoken.

Fanizza et al. (1999) The effect of the number of RAPD markers on the evaluation of genotypic distances in Vitis vinifera Euphytica 107: 45â50

A full list of references for this article are available at the Negroamaro Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Viticultural Information

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for academic and informational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or exhaustive information available. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and depth, the information should be considered a starting point for further scholarly inquiry.

This is not professional viticultural or enological advice. The information presented herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified experts in viticulture, enology, or wine law. Always consult with professionals for specific applications, regional regulations, or commercial endeavors. Reliance on the information provided on this website is solely at the user's own risk.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Negroamaro: A Deep Dive into Southern Italy's Resilient Red Grape

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Negroamaro? ℹ️

🍇 A Distinctive Red Varietal

📍 Geographic Heartlands

🍷 Vinicultural Significance

History and Etymology 📜

🤔 The Name's Origin

🏛️ Ancient Roots and Monastic Preservation

🧬 Genetic Insights

Distribution and Viticulture 🌍

🏞️ Apulian Dominance

🌱 Vine Characteristics

🇺🇸 North American Presence

Permitted DOC Wines 📜

🏛️ Province of Lecce & Taranto

🏛️ Provinces of Brindisi & Lecce

Permitted IGT Wines 📜

🗺️ Regional Designations

Vine and Viticulture 🌱

🌿 Cultivation Requirements

🍇 Grape Characteristics

📅 Ripening Cycle

Synonyms and Aliases 🏷️

📝 Recognized Names

Related Varieties 🔗

🤝 Proximity to Primitivo

Further Reading 📚

📖 Scholarly Resources

External Resources 🌐

🔗 Official Databases

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice Regarding Viticultural Information

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Negroamaro?

A Distinctive Red Varietal

Geographic Heartlands

Vinicultural Significance

History and Etymology

The Name's Origin

Ancient Roots and Monastic Preservation

Genetic Insights

Distribution and Viticulture

Apulian Dominance

Vine Characteristics

North American Presence

Permitted DOC Wines

Province of Lecce & Taranto

Provinces of Brindisi & Lecce

Permitted IGT Wines

Regional Designations

Vine and Viticulture

Cultivation Requirements

Grape Characteristics

Ripening Cycle

Synonyms and Aliases

Recognized Names

Related Varieties

Proximity to Primitivo

Further Reading

Scholarly Resources

External Resources

Official Databases

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Viticultural Information