Croatina is an ancient Italian black grape variety, historically linked to the Oltrepò Pavese and Piacenza areas. The first recorded mention of this name dates back to 1831, whilst its presence is described with greater regularity by ampelographers in the second half of the nineteenth century; its etymology remains a matter of debate and does not allow us to attribute a foreign origin to it with certainty. The leaf is small to medium in size, generally pentagonal, trilobed or quinquelobed, with an open petiole sinus; the bunch is medium to large, conical or pyramidal, often winged, ranging from moderately compact to loose. The berry, spheroidal and of medium size, has a thick, firm, blue-black skin rich in bloom. It is particularly widely grown in the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese and the province of Piacenza, with significant plantings also in Piedmont – especially in Upper Piedmont and the Asti area – as well as in other northern regions. When vinified as a single-varietal wine, it produces wines of an intense ruby red colour, often enhanced by violet hues, with aromas of red and black fruits, violets, spices and a pleasant vinous character. On the palate, it displays good structure, warmth, balanced acidity and a pronounced tannic texture, which is set to soften with ageing. Young wines can be fragrant and lively, whilst the more structured versions develop a medium-short to longer ageing potential. An interesting fact about this wine is that Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese is actually made from the Croatina grape, not to be confused with the Piedmontese Bonarda.
