The exploitation of some minor varieties of the 'Colline Pisane' ad data of regional competitiveness.

In 2001 the Department of Fruit Science and Plant Protection of Woody Species drew up a research project to increase the value of less-known grapevine varieties cultivated in the Pisa province. The grapevine germplasm exploitation, in the Tuscan region, is of paramount importance both to prevent the genetic erosion, and loose varieties endowed with specific qualities. Several varieties grown in the Colline Pisane were examined ‘Abrusco’, ‘Canina Nera’, Colombana di Peccioli’, ‘Colorino di Pisa’, ‘Giacomino’, ‘Grand Noir’,’Oliva’,’Santo Stefano’, and ‘Uva Vecchia’ with the aim to make varietal wines or to be joined to main Tuscan variety ‘Sangiovese’. In fact the ‘Sangiovese’ variety has been in existence in our area since last century. To find out the right time for the grape harvest, samplings and laboratory tests were carried on, to check the presence of different levels of sugar, acidity, pH, and polyphenols in the meanwhile microvinification was also performed. From their quality testing, the conclusion was that ‘Abrusco’ can acquire purity in wine-making, resulting as a product tied to its territory, its traditions, and its typical dishes; besides, we can blend it to ‘Sangiovese, properly proportioned.‘Santo Stefano’ has got similar characteristics, even if, being less acid, must be joined to higher acid level vine. As far as ‘Giacomino’, its aroma seems to be proper for rosé or ’novello’ or young wines. ‘Canina Nera’, ’Oliva’, and ’Uva Vecchia’ could be used for rosé wines, thanks to their acidity. Finally ‘Colombana di Peccioli’ could be revalue to produce a sweet wine, as in the past, or added for making Vin Santo.