IN BREVE
- Calabria Wild Wine has identified nine grape varieties with a previously unknown genetic profile, linked to historical varieties from Greece and Lebanon.
- Genetic analysis of 147 samples revealed undocumented viticultural material and the presence of relic varieties.
- The new varieties, such as Burdò, Tundulilla, Montonico Pinto, and Occhi di Lepre, show affinities with already known grapes and ancient varieties.
- The recognition of uncatalogued grape varieties confirms Calabria’s viticultural biodiversity, requiring protection and scientific continuity.
- These results offer opportunities for agronomic research and for studying the spread of the vine in the Mediterranean.
A survey conducted by the non-profit association Calabria Wild Wine has brought to light nine grape varieties with a previously unknown genetic profile. The working group—Calabrian professionals and entrepreneurs aiming to recover and protect ancient local grape varieties at risk of extinction by cultivating, studying, and telling their story—also reports links between certain Calabrian grapes and varieties widespread in the past in Greece and Lebanon. These are two central areas for the domestication of the vine in the Mediterranean.
The conclusions come after genetic analyses performed by the Department of Agriculture of the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria on 147 vine samples from over 20 municipalities in Calabria. Of these, 134 are wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) and 13 are wild grapes (Vitis sylvestris), sourced from ancient vineyards, small gardens, and wooded areas.
“In recent years,” the association explains, “besides visiting dozens of old vineyards throughout the region, from the Strait of Messina to Pollino, we have spoken with elderly winegrowers, experts, producers, professors, and university researchers. We have consulted books, catalogs, publications, archives, and archaeological studies. We participated in harvests alongside growers in Bagnara Calabra (RC), Bova (RC), Bianco (RC), Cirò (KR), Ferruzzano (RC), Nicotera (VV), Saracena (CS), Roggiano Gravina (CS), San Marco Argentano (CS), and Scilla (RC).”
UNCATALOGUED GENETIC PROFILES AND LINKS TO GREEKS AND PHOENICIANS
The analyses show the existence of viticultural material with no matches in international databases. Researchers identified plants present in family vineyards and isolated sites. These are vines not registered in official records. Calabria Wild Wine speaks of “unique germplasm” and highlights the urgency of intervention. According to the association, these findings require “immediate protection” to avoid the loss of undocumented material.
A previously unknown genetic profile is a sequence of molecular markers that does not match any of the profiles in international databases. The analyses establish identity and kinship between grape varieties and allow for the recognition of undocumented varieties. When a sequence turns out to be new, the material enters a study phase. Researchers verify stability, origin, and potential registration in national records.
Some samples show genetic affinities with grapes from the Eastern Mediterranean. The relationships involve varieties widespread in Greece and Lebanon. For Calabria Wild Wine, these matches confirm Calabria’s role as a contact point between different worlds. The association notes that ancient trade flows favored the circulation of vines along routes between East and West. The material found is believed to be a trace of these movements.
NEW GRAPE VARIETIES DISCOVERED IN CALABRIA: NERELLOS ALSO PRESENT
The new genetic profiles were identified in the province of Reggio Calabria. Five red and four white varieties, recognized by local names such as Burdò, Duraca, Greco, Prunesta Longuta, Tundulilla, and Zibibbo nero. Among the “Nerelli” recovered between Bagnara Calabra and Motta San Giovanni, most coincide with already known varieties, including Castiglione, Nerello Mascalese, Magliocco Dolce, Brettio nero, and Negrellone.
The survey brought several relic varieties back to light. Montonico Pinto, identified in Frascineto, is linked to Carricante and was once used to improve the red wine of Pollino. Occhi di Lepre, recovered in Bianco, derives from Mantonico and Sangiovese. Pedilongo, present between Bagnara and Scilla, was widespread on the Tyrrhenian coast but later abandoned. Prunesta, found in Bagnara, shows genetic links with Magliocco Canino and Nocera.
Also documented were historical varieties that arrived in Calabria along Mediterranean routes: Achladi, an ancient Greek grape known as Uva Ruggia; Mavro, coming from Greece and Cyprus, recognized near a Byzantine monastery; Merwah, an ancient Lebanese variety found in Gerace and Bagnara, cultivated on its own roots.
PROSPECTS FOR THE REGION
Finally, thirteen samples of Vitis sylvestris from Aspromonte confirm the presence of a spontaneous population of wild vines. The materials will be sequenced in China as part of an international study.
The presence of uncatalogued grape varieties strengthens Calabria’s image as an area rich in viticultural biodiversity. The results offer insights for agronomic research and for the historical reconstruction of the spread of the vine in the Mediterranean. For Calabria Wild Wine, this discovery opens a working phase that requires scientific continuity and protection tools suited to the specificity of the recovered material.
