Marzemino

Grape variety	Marzemino
Synonyms	Affectionately known by names such as marzemina nera, marsemina, and borgogna, among others.
Grape colour	Red grape
History	The Marzemino grape finds its roots in the Trentino region of Italy, tracing its origins back to the Middle Ages. It was believed to have been brought to Italy from the Carinthian region by Venetian armies, although some theories suggest a Venetian origin. The grape first appeared in historical records in 1553, mentioned by Ortensio Lando and Agostino Gallo. The name 'Marzemino' is thought to be derived from the Medieval Latin term 'Marzerimen', which referred to small March berries, but the name does not seem to reflect the current size of the grape berries.
Ampelographic features	The Marzemino grape is characterized by its medium-sized, pentagonal leaf, often featuring three to five lobes. The leaf is dark green, with a glossy top surface and a bottom surface of grey-green. The grape bunches are medium compact, of pyramidal shape, with one or two wings and a reddish peduncle. Individual grapes are medium-sized, spherical, and regular in shape, with a very thin skin that is blue-black in color. It is noteworthy that during the peak of summer, the grape exhibits a purple-red hue in its branches, peduncles, and petioles. The older leaves may also display reddish spots.
Characteristics of the wine	Wines produced from the Marzemino grape exhibit a deep color, with a sophisticated olfactory profile that blends fruitiness with floral violet undertones. The palate is greeted with well-rounded alcohol content, complemented by smooth tannins and a satisfying sapidity. When vinified for sparkling wine production, particularly in the Veneto region, Marzemino can yield light and effervescent wines. It is also used in the production of sweet wines in Conegliano for the Refrontolo Passito. In the Trentino region, the grape finds its ideal conditions for a more robust and structured vinification, often offering balsamic and spicy nuances with hints of mint.