Uva Rara: A Guide to This Unique Italian Grape

Uva Rara is a red grape variety originating from northern Italy, primarily grown in Piedmont and Lombardy, where it significantly contributes to blends. Although its name means "rare grape," Uva Rara is actually not hard to find but the variety is appreciated for its gentle tannins, floral notes, and vibrant acidity. This varietal is commonly present in the Oltrepò Pavese area of Lombardy, around the provinces of Novara (Piedmont), Pavia (Lombardy), and Vercelli (Piedmont). It is also referred to as Bonarda, which has led to confusion with other red grape varieties that share the name, especially Bonarda Piemontese.

It is commonly blended with Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Barbera grapes, particularly in Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG, where it adds fruitiness, colour stability, and suppleness to the wines. While rarely vinified alone, some varietal expressions exist, especially in the Colline Novaresi DOC.

Grape Characteristics

• Appearance: Berries are medium-sized with delicate blue-black skins.
• Aroma and Flavour Profile: Notes of red fruits (such as cherry, raspberry, and red plum) are complemented by floral hints (rose and violet), subtle spice and herbal undertones (white pepper and thyme), and a touch of earthiness. The taste of Uva Rara wine is distinguished by its fruity qualities, rich flavour depth, and complete sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.
• Sugar and Acid Levels: Features naturally moderate acidity that helps preserve freshness in blends. The medium sugar content results in balanced alcohol levels (12–13.5%).

Winemaking Potential

Style Versatility

• Varietal Wines: Bright, fruit-driven, and aromatic, with light to medium body and soft tannins.
• Blending Partner: Primarily blended with Nebbiolo and Croatina, enhancing approachability and floral complexity.

Blending Partner

Uva Rara is widely used in Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG, where it softens Nebbiolo’s tannins while adding freshness and fruit-forward character. It is also a key component in Oltrepò Pavese wines, where it enhances structure and aromatic and fruit intensity.

Aging Potential

• Young Uva Rara wines are fresh and floral, best consumed within 2–5 years.
• In Nebbiolo blends, wines can age 10+ years, developing earthy, spicy, and dried floral notes.

Food Pairing Recommendations

• Classic Italian Cuisine:
• • Truffle risotto
  • Pasta with wild boar ragu
  • Porchetta
• Cheese Pairings:
• • Pecorino
  • Taleggio
• Grilled and Roasted Meats:
• • Braised veal
  • Grilled lamb

Regional Expressions

Uva Rara in Piedmont

• Colline Novaresi DOC
• • One of the few regions producing single-varietal Uva Rara wines.
  • Wines are light-bodied, fruit-forward, and floral with refreshing acidity.
• Gattinara and Ghemme DOCG
• • Uva Rara plays a supporting role in Nebbiolo-based blends, providing roundness, color stability, and aromatic lift.

Uva Rara in Lombardy

• Oltrepò Pavese DOC
• • Frequently blended with Croatina in Bonarda dell'Oltrepò Pavese wines, adding softness and perfume.
  • Produces fresh, easy-drinking reds with spice and floral elements.

Viticultural Aspects

• Climate and Soil Preferences: Uva Rara thrives in cool to moderate climates, preferring well-drained sandy, clay, and volcanic soils. The best expressions come from hillside vineyards with good sun exposure, which enhances ripeness while maintaining acidity.
• Yield Potential and Vine Vigor: The variety is moderately vigorous, producing consistent but not overly high yields. Proper canopy management is necessary to prevent overcropping, which can dilute flavours.
• Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests: Uva Rara is relatively resilient but can be prone to powdery mildew and requires careful vineyard management in humid conditions.

Geographic Distribution

Uva Rara is primarily found in northern Italy, with notable plantings in:

• Piedmont: Gattinara DOCG, Ghemme DOCG, Colline Novaresi DOC
• Lombardy: Oltrepò Pavese DOC, Bonarda dell'Oltrepò Pavese DOC
• Emilia-Romagna: Small plantings used in blends

Outside of Italy, Uva Rara is rarely grown, with limited experimental plantings in Switzerland and Argentina.

Regional Expressions

Uva Rara in Piedmont

• Colline Novaresi DOC
• • One of the few regions producing single-varietal Uva Rara wines.
  • Wines are light-bodied, fruit-forward, and floral with refreshing acidity.
• Gattinara and Ghemme DOCG
• • Uva Rara plays a supporting role in Nebbiolo-based blends, providing roundness, color stability, and aromatic lift.

Uva Rara in Lombardy

• Oltrepò Pavese DOC
• • Frequently blended with Croatina in Bonarda dell'Oltrepò Pavese wines, adding softness and perfume.
  • Produces fresh, easy-drinking reds with spice and floral elements.

Future Prospects and Trends

Emerging Trends and Developments

Interest in Piedmont’s lesser-known vine varieties, such as Uva Rara, is growing with the revival of indigenous grapes. Increasingly, producers are adopting organic viticulture to enhance vine biodiversity and prioritize sustainability.

Consumer Preferences and Market Trends

The rising popularity of food-friendly, aromatic red wines has positively impacted Uva Rara, particularly in export markets. While blended red wines are still favoured over single-varietal options, both variety and levels of experimentation are on the rise.

Potential for Growth and Expansion

Due to its low tannins and vibrant acidity, Uva Rara shows great promise in the natural wine movement. Recent plantings in Lombardy and Switzerland indicate a growing acknowledgment of its versatility and blending capabilities.

Notable Wines and Producers

Iconic Uva Rara Wines

1. Antoniolo "Gattinara DOCG" (Nebbiolo-Uva Rara blend)
2. • Tasting Notes: Cherry, dried rose, white pepper, silky tannins.
3. Le Piane "Colline Novaresi Uva Rara"
4. • Tasting Notes: Raspberry, violet, herbal spice, crisp acidity.

Renowned Producers

• Antoniolo (Gattinara) – One of the leading producers blending Uva Rara with Nebbiolo.
• Le Piane (Boca) – Produces one of the few single-varietal Uva Rara wines, showcasing its elegance and perfume.
• Ca' Montebello (Oltrepò Pavese) – Uses Uva Rara in fragrant, fruit-driven blends with Croatina.

Awards and Recognition

• Many Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG blends containing Uva Rara have received Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso.
• Le Piane’s Uva Rara bottlings have been praised by Italian wine critics for their distinctiveness.

Conclusion

Uva Rara, known as the "rare grape," is a fragrant, soft-skinned red grape from northern Italy, primarily found in Gattinara, Ghemme, and Oltrepò Pavese wines. Although it is seldom fermented on its own, it significantly enhances Nebbiolo-based wines by imparting soft floral notes and a fruit-forward profile. Prominent producers such as Antoniolo, Le Piane, and Ca' Montebello are at the forefront of its resurgence and gaining awareness on the global stage.

Often eclipsed by Nebbiolo and Croatina, Uva Rara continues to be a vital part of northern Italian winemaking. It provides balance and aromatic depth to important regional blends. As appreciation grows for Indigenous Italian varieties, Uva Rara is set for increased recognition, especially among artisanal winemakers.