Bombino Nero

Grape variety	Bombino Nero
Synonyms	Vitigno Bombino Nero, Nero Bombino.
Grape colour	Red grape
History	Bombino Nero is a grape variety that has been cultivated for centuries in the Apulia region of Italy, particularly in the North Bari and Low Foggia areas. The grape's name, Bombino Nero, is believed to have originated from the Spanish term 'Bovino', where the letter 'v' is pronounced as 'b'. Over time, the term was Italianized to 'Bombino', and it came to denote a high-quality black wine. Despite its Spanish name roots, the variety is distinctly Italian and has gradually spread across Italy's central regions. There's also a theory that the grape's name is linked to its unique cluster shape, which resembles a small child with raised arms, leading to the Apulian dialect term for 'child'.
Ampelographic features	The Bombino Nero grape exhibits distinctive ampelographic characteristics. Its leaves are of medium size, quinquelobate, with overlapped edges on the petiole breast and superior lateral limbs to liver. The top page of the leaf is shiny and greenish, while the lower face is aracnoid and thick. The grape bunch is large, compact, and predominantly composed or winged, with a visible, woody peduncle up to the first branch. The berries are large and spheroidal, with a circular cross-section and a thick, consistent skin that is pruinose and bluish in color. The pulp is medium-soft, and the juice is colorless with a neutral flavor.
Characteristics of the wine	The wine produced from the Bombino Nero grape is known for its robust and rich flavors. It typically exhibits a deep ruby red color with violet reflections. On the palate, the wine offers a harmonious and velvety taste, often with hints of red fruits and spices. Despite its strong character, Bombino Nero wine retains a pleasant freshness, which makes it versatile for pairing with a variety of dishes.