Croatina

Of ancient but unknown origin, it is mainly grown in Lombardy and particularly in the Oltrepò Pavese and neighbouring areas.

CULTIVATED AREA IN ITALY

YEAR	1970	1982	1990	2000	2010
HECTARES	5.249	5.802	4.486	3.280	5.821

Bud-burst period:medium-late.
Ripening period:medium-late.
Yield: copious but inconstant in some biotypes with longer internodes or in years with cold, rainy springs.

Ampelographic characters:

relatively homogeneous variety, with main differences being the shape and the length of the cluster. The bud, with an expanded slightly tomentose apex, has light-green apical leaflets. The leaves, with their arachnoid underside, are medium-sized, pentagonal, three-lobed and slightly cup-shaped. The petiolar sinus is V-shaped and generally open. The lower page is arachnoid. long, semi-compact, cylindrical-pyramidal and winged. The medium-sized, spheroid berry has a thick blue-turquoise skin. The flesh is juicy, with a simple, acidulous flavour.

Cultural aptitudes:

vine of medium-high vigour with a semi-upright growth habit, long unbranched shoots, medium-length internodes and expanded vegetation. It thrives in deep, even fresh soils tending to be argillaceous. It suffers from prolonged drought in summer. Dry climates and good soils exposure will positively impact the quality of the product.

Training system and pruning:

it adapts to relatively expanded training systems and it prefers a long and rather rich pruning. Only green pruning operations can be carried out after the appropriate portioning of the shoots on the espalier.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

susceptible to rachis desiccation, coulure and millerandage, especially during rainy years. Poor resistance to summer drought.

Enological potential:

it gives a full-bodied, fruity, delicate, round and dry ruby-red wine, with not much identity. It is normally vinified with other grapes; mainly Barbera and Uva Rara, creating superior red wines.