Canina nera

Canina Nera is a rare and little-known black grape variety that has its roots in the regions of Tuscany and Romagna, central Italy. Though once more widespread, the variety is now primarily cultivated in a small area of the Romagna plain, particularly in the province of Ravenna. It survives in only a handful of old vineyards, often grown by local families for personal consumption or sold in small quantities through local networks. Its cultivation in Tuscany is even rarer today, with just a few remaining traces.

Over the years, Canina Nera has often been confused with other grape varieties, adding to its obscurity. In Romagna, it has long been mistaken for Cagnina, which is actuallyRefosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, while in Tuscany, it has been confused with Canaiolo Nero, another native red grape. Despite the mix-ups, Canina Nera is a distinct cultivar with its own unique characteristics and historical significance.

This variety is no longer vinified on its own and is typically blended with other native red grapes in small-scale, traditional winemaking. Its main value today lies in its cultural heritage and the rustic, old-world style wines it helps create wines that are reflective of the land, the people, and the past.

Ampelographically, Canina Nera features medium to large spherical berries that are slightly elongated. The skin is thick, dark blue to black, and heavily covered in bloom (pruinose). The bunches are medium-sized, pyramidal in shape, moderately compact, and often have one or two wings. Interestingly, there are two known biotypes of Canina Nera, differentiated by the color of the grape stem, one with green pedicels and the other with red.

In terms of viticultural behaviour, the Canina Nera vine is robust and well-suited to flat terrain. However, due to its limited productivity and lack of commercial appeal, it is rarely planted in new vineyards. It remains mainly in the hands of passionate growers and heritage conservationists.

Wines made from Canina Nera are typically pale red in colour, often light and rustic in style. On the nose, they are marked by aromas of wild berries, damp earth, and a faint herbaceousness. The palate is dry, slightly bitter, and lively, edgy in structure, with moderate acidity and a modest alcohol level. While not powerful or polished, these wines offer a raw and genuine taste of Romagna’s lesser-known viticultural history.