Longanesi

Grape variety	Longanesi
Synonyms	Known by alternative names such as Uva Longanesi and Burson.
Grape colour	Red grape
History	Longanesi, a grape variety with a rich history, hails from Boncellino, a quaint town in Bagnacavallo, province of Ravenna. The Longanesi family, also recognized as 'Bursòn', was the first to cultivate this vine, which they discovered growing alongside an oak tree. Initially, it was mistaken to be a variety of Negoty. The Longanesi grape earned its official recognition in the National Register of Vine Varieties in the year 2000. The Longanesi grape has since been the pride of the region, continuing to be produced by the Longanesi family in its homeland.
Ampelographic features	The Longanesi grape exhibits unique ampelographic features. It has medium-sized, pentagonal, five-lobed leaves with a twisted flap. Its petiole breast opens to a 'U' shape, and the upper lateral breasts are generally closed, occasionally showing slightly overlapping, deep enough U-edges. The lower lateral veins often form a shallow 'V'. The grape cluster is medium in size, adopting a conical or cylindrical-conic shape. It elongates into a wedge shape (with 1 wing) and has a medium-sized spatula. The berry is medium or medium-large, spheroidal in shape. Its dense, consistent skin takes on a blue-black color.
Characteristics of the wine	The Longanesi grape is primarily used to produce varietal wines classified as IGT Ravenna. The wine is divided into two categories: the Etichetta Nera ('Black label') and the Etichetta Blue. The Etichetta Nera is a more ambitious version, requiring a minimum of twenty months in oak and a portion of dried grapes for its production. On the other hand, the less ambitious Etichetta Blue may undergo the process of carbonic maceration to mellow the tannins.