Characterisation of Vernaccia Nera (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapes and Wine

Vernaccia Nera (VN) is a minor Italian red grape cultivar whose oenological properties have not been investigated yet. Traditional winemaking procedures with VN can include grape drying and even triple sequential fermentations, but a rational vinification approach should be based on the grape composition. Since a comprehensive characterisation of the VN grape is still missing, the ripening of VN grapes was monitored by evaluating flavour compounds, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. The grapes were used to produce red wine whose chemical composition and sensory properties were assessed. Ripe VN grapes contained high amounts of extractable anthocyanins (0.88 g/kg). The most abundant anthocy…