Melara, also known by the synonym Merlara, is a native white grape variety linked to the winemaking tradition of the Piacenza area. Its origins are not precisely documented, but the variety has long been present on the hills of the province of Piacenza, particularly in the Val d’Arda area and around Vigoleno. The name Melara has been linked to a possible association between honey and sweetness, referring both to the dried grapes and to the aromatic characteristics of the wine.
The vine exhibits good vigour and a semi-upright growth habit. The leaves are small, with a pentagonal shape and five lobes. The bunch is short, compact and conical-pyramidal in shape, whilst the berries, generally medium to large in size, are truncated-ovoid or ovoid, with green-yellow skin and soft flesh. Early veraison and medium-early ripening favour harvesting for drying.
Melara is traditionally vinified as a blend, primarily with Santa Maria, for the production of Vin Santo di Vigoleno. The wine can display hues ranging from golden to deep amber, with aromas of honey, dried fruit, candied citrus, almonds and toasted hazelnuts. On the palate, it is sweet, full-bodied, velvety and persistent, with a structure well-suited to ageing. The long ageing in wood, typical of this style, enhances its complexity and longevity, making Melara a distinctive component of Piacenza’s most authentic winemaking tradition.
