Negrara Veronese is an ancient black grape variety from the Veronese wine-growing tradition, distinct from Negrara Trentina and historically also known as Negrara bastarda. The first ampelographic description dates back to 1823, when it was mentioned by the ampelographer Giuseppe Acerbi. Its presence is mainly associated with the hills of the province of Verona, particularly in Valpolicella and the surrounding areas, where it forms part of the heritage of traditional Venetian grape varieties.
The vine exhibits good vigour and ripens in the mid-to-late season. The bunch is generally medium or medium-large, pyramid-shaped, often winged and moderately compact. The berries are round, of medium size, with a thick skin, intensely pruinose and blue-black in colour. The leaf is medium-sized, tending to be almost entire or three-lobed, with a pentagonal-shaped lobe and good varietal distinctiveness.
When vinified as part of a blend, it contributes to wines of an intense ruby red colour, sometimes enriched with violet hues, with vinous aromas of morello cherry and red fruits, accompanied by spicy nuances and a pleasant vegetal note. On the palate, it offers smoothness, moderate structure and colour depth, blending harmoniously into the main Veronese wine styles. Its suitability for drying has also favoured its traditional use in the production of richer, longer-lived wines, where the fruity and spicy components evolve over time. An interesting ampelographic fact is the genetic similarity found with the rare Venetian variety Gruaja.
