Sciascinoso

The Sciascinoso grape is a red variety of uncertain origin, long cultivated in Campania, southern Italy. Its identity has often been confused with that of Olivella Nera, another black grape with a similarly shaped and colored berry. The name Olivella - used for various grape types - derives from the olive-like appearance of the berry: small, dark, and ovoid. This overlap has led to centuries of ambiguity.

Sciascinoso was officially entered into Italy’s National Registry of Vine Varieties in 1970, while Olivella Nera followed a year later. Historical documents concerning vine names from Campania almost exclusively mention Sciascinoso, sometimes with the note “locally known as Olivella.” Meanwhile, Olivella as a variety name appears more formally in the Frusinate IGT (Lazio) specifications, suggesting a separate or regional distinction.

Sciascinoso grapes are medium-small, ovoid black berries with firm, red-black skins. The bunch is medium-sized, conical, moderately compact, and often winged. The vine is known for medium vigor and medium-early ripening, making it manageable in the vineyard and reliable in harvest timing.

The resulting wine is intensely ruby red with purple reflections, offering vinous and fruit-driven aromas with notes of plum, cherry, and blueberry. On the palate, Sciascinoso is fresh, structured, and tannic, with good consistency and vibrant character - a true expression of Campania’s volcanic terroir.