Calabrese Montenuovo is an ancient variety of red wine grape from Italy. It was discovered in a vineyard in Campania and became famous when it was found to be one of the parents of Sangiovese

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jove"...

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History

Little is known about Calabrese Montenuovo, but the link to Sangiovese has prompted considerable research. It is believed to have originated in Calabria, hence the name.

Wine regions

Calabrese Montenuovo was found in a vineyard in Campania, but similar grapes have since been found at several sites further south, in Calabria.

Synonyms

Calabrese di Montenuovo. It should not be confused with other grapes that bear the Calabrese name, such as Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola is "the most important red wine grape in Sicily" and is one of Italy's most important indigenous varieties. It is named after Avola in the far south of Sicily and its wines are compared to New World Shirazes, with sweet tannins and plum or peppery flavours...

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Further reading

Vouillamoz et al., The parentage of 'Sangiovese', the most important Italian wine grape, Vitis Germany 2007, 46 (1) 19-22, ISSN: 0042-7500