Moscato Nero, or more precisely Moscato Nero di Acqui, is a rare aromatic black grape variety with deep roots in the Piedmontese winemaking tradition. Listed in the National Register of Grape Varieties since 1971, it can be traced back to the ancient grapes known as Malaga or Moscato Nero in the Acqui area and to the Moscato Nero Rosato described in the 19th century in the Tortona and Alessandria regions. Its historical growing area encompasses the hills of the Pinerolo region, the Monferrato areas around Asti and Alessandria, the Acqui area and the Tortona area, where it may also be referred to by local names such as Maliga or Aleatico.
The mature leaf is medium-sized, orbicular, generally five-lobed, sometimes more deeply incised, with a dark green upper surface and bristly veins on the underside. The bunch is small to medium in size, cylindrical or conical, elongated, often winged and rather loose. The berry, medium to large in size, is round or slightly elliptical, with a deep black or black-purple skin, glossy when ripe, and flesh with a characteristic muscat-like aroma.
When vinified as a red wine, it offers intense ruby hues, good polyphenolic content and a balanced structure, supported by smoothness and moderate acidity. The aromatic profile is elegant and distinctive, featuring rose, geranium, raspberry, strawberry and notes of Muscat grapes, complemented by citrus undertones. The richness of its aromatic precursors also lends itself to interesting interpretations from dried grapes, which are more concentrated and better suited to ageing.
