Rondinella

Of unknown origin, this variety is mainly cultivated near Verona, in the Valpolicella and Bardolino areas. During the vinification the grapes are mixed with those of other local cultivars.

CULTIVATED AREA IN ITALY

YEAR	1970	1982	1990	2000	2010
HECTARES	3.278	3.441	2.975	2.874	2.618*

*Data provided by Regione Veneto

Bud-burst period: everage.
Ripening period:everage-late.
Yield: fairly and constant.

Ampelographic characters:

the variety is quite homogeneous, there are no substantial differences among its various biotypes. The bud has an expanded apex, yellowish green with pinkish shades, and a bit hairy. The medium-sized, pentagon-shaped, deeply five-lobed leaf has a silky lower side. The petiolar sinus is U- or lyre-shaped. The medium-large, pyramidal, winged, fairly compact cluster carries a medium-sized, spheroid, purple-black and very pruinose berry with thick skin, fleshy pulp, and a simple, sweet flavour.

Cultural aptitude:

highly vigorous vine, with fairly balanced and semi-upright growth habits. The long and quite robust shoots have long internodes. Very adaptable to different types of soil and climate, since it’s a rather rustic grape variety.

Training system and pruning:

suitable to different forms of training, more-or-less expanded, preferring medium-long and quite rich pruning.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

very good, it bears a long withering in drying rooms. Susceptible to drought.

Enological potential:

vinified alone, it gives a ruby red wine, with moderate acidity, not very alcoholic and tannic, medium-bodied, with a gentle and intense scent. Usually vinified with grapes of other local vines for the creation of Valpolicella and Bardolino wines.