Maresco is an ancient white grape variety from the Itria Valley, where it is also traditionally known as Maruggio. Present since time immemorial in the old mixed vineyards, mainly trained using the alberello method, it is now considered a native Apulian variety. The name Maresco derives from the combination of the root of ‘Maruggio’ with the adjective ‘fresco’ (fresh), referring to the pronounced fixed acidity that characterises the grapes and the wines produced from them.
The vine exhibits good vigour and reaches average ripeness, generally between the second and third ten-day periods of September. The mature leaf is medium to large, orbicular in shape, often three-lobed, with a slightly blistered upper surface and a moderately tomentose underside. The bunch is long, conical, moderately compact and sometimes winged; the berry, medium to large and ellipsoidal, has a firm, green-yellow skin, colourless, juicy flesh and a lively acidity.
Widespread mainly in the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, the Maresco variety produces straw-yellow wines, sometimes with golden highlights, with a floral and herbaceous profile, enriched by notes of apple, white peach and subtle spicy nuances. On the palate, it offers freshness, savouriness, good structure, balance and length. Its acidity makes it well-suited for use in blends and supports interesting prospects for development, as well as making it particularly suitable for sparkling wine production, even as a single variety.
