Enhancement of the Tuscan grapevine germplasm: Nocchianello Bianco and Nocchianello Nero cultivars

Abstract

As part of a decades-long project to safeguard the viticultural biodiversity in the wine-growing district of Pitigliano (Tuscany, Italy), the research activity carried out made it possible to rediscover two valuable autochthonous grapevine varieties, otherwise doomed to extinction: Nocchianello Bianco (whiteberried) and Nocchianello Nero (black-berried). Both the cultivars were thoroughly characterized at the genetic, phenological, and ampelographic levels, as well as the yield and grape quality were evaluated. Thanks to the results obtained, Nocchianello Bianco and Nocchianello Nero were officially reintroduced in the local and regional winemaking scenario, following the registration in the Italian Catalogue of Grapevine Varieties and the addition to the list of grapevine varieties suitable for cultivation in Tuscany.