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The historic Erbamat grape variety is intended to help the Italian DOC producers of Franciacorta in Lombardy to mitigate the consequences of climate change in the region. The variety, which was already known in the 15th century, ripens late, produces high yields, little alcohol, a lot of acidity and a rather neutral aroma. The Franciacorta Consortium has now approved the grape variety and allows it to be used up to ten percent in the cuvées of sparkling wines. It is now cultivated on almost 3,000 hectares. The total DOC cultivation area is around 20,000 ha. Of this, around 70 percent is certified organic or is undergoing conversion.
Silvano Brescianini, the president of the consortium, said that Erbamat ripens about one month later than Chardonnay and Pinot Nero and produces about twice as much acidity as Chardonnay. This allows an excellent, long maturation of the still wines.
(uka / Photo: Bertazzonipaolo - Wikipedia)