Negretto

Negretto is an indegenous grape variety grown primarily in Emilia-Romagna region in Italy.

Negretto is a dark-skinned grape variety, with its berries having a black-blue colour. It produces intense aromas of black cherry and blackberry, as well as spices, tobacco and violet. Its taste profile is characterized by notes of ripe red fruits, with light body and smooth tannins.

Negretto is mainly cultivated in the regions of Emilia-Romagna. Negretto is a relatively vigorous variety. It shows some resistance to various diseases but is sensitive to frost and to botrytis. Negretto usually acts as a blending partner to Barbera and Sangiovese. Negretto gives the wines deep ruby violet color and enhances the aromas. In Emilia-Romagna, it is used to add to Barbera and Sangiovese to produce a dry red wine with a deep ruby colour and aromas of ripe red fruits. Negretto wines pair well with a variety of dishes, from pasta to meat and cheese. Its intense aromas and flavour profile make it a great match for dishes with tomato sauces and spicy flavours.

Negretto is often misidentified because of the morphological similarities, it should not be confused with the French variety Negrette.