Chatus is an ancient black grape variety native to the Cévennes region of the Ardèche, in south-eastern France, where its presence has been historically documented as far back as the 17th century. For a long time, it spread across the western Alps, reaching Piedmont, Savoy and the Dauphiné. In Italy, it is particularly associated with the Cuneo area, especially the regions of Dronero, the Saluzzo Hills and the Pinerolo area, where it is also known by the traditional name of Nebbiolo di Dronero. The shoots are covered in dense, recumbent down, whilst the young leaves display characteristic bronze hues. The mature leaf is pentagonal, generally three- or five-lobed, with a slightly blistered surface and rolled-in margins; the petiole sinus is closed, with a V-shaped base. The bunch is medium or medium-large, often compact, with small, round berries and intensely coloured skins. The wine is distinguished by its deep ruby-red colour, sometimes tending towards purple, and by a fruity and vinous bouquet, enriched with hints of ripe fruit, spices and, following ageing in oak, balsamic and vanilla notes. On the palate, it offers good structure, lively acidity and substantial tannins, elements that support its development over time and ensure remarkable longevity. An interesting fact about this wine concerns its genetic identification: the famous Nebbiolo di Dronero has been found to correspond to Chatus, a grape variety also used in the creation of Albarossa alongside Barbera.
