Story: Bombino | Grape variety
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Summary
Bombino is an autochthonous Italian grape variety family with two main varieties: Bombino Bianco and Bombino Nero. Both originate from Apulia, but have also established themselves in other regions of southern Italy. Bombino Bianco produces fresh, lively white wines and is often used as a blending partner, while Bombino Nero produces light, early accessible red wines and rosés. Both varieties are characterized by high yields, robust health and adaptability to warm, dry locations.

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Origin and distribution
The roots of Bombino grapes lie in Apulia, where they have been cultivated for centuries. Archaeological finds and ampelographic studies indicate that Bombino Bianco and Nero were already known in the Salento plateau in the 19th century. Today, stocks are mainly found in the DOC and IGT areas of Puglia, but also in neighboring regions such as Molise and Campania.

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Agronomic characteristics
Bombino varieties are notorious for their productivity: They produce high yields per hectare and are relatively insensitive to drought and heat. The vines develop robust, healthy foliage and show good resistance to fungal diseases. Late ripening is typical - the grapes are usually harvested at the end of September to the beginning of October to ensure sufficient aromas and acidity.

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Bombino Bianco
Bombino Bianco is a white grape variety that is often used in cuvées to provide freshness and acidity. Aromas of green apple, citrus fruit and white flowers are typical of the grape variety. Single-varietal versions produce slender, crisp white wines with a moderate alcohol content and lively acidity - ideal accompaniments to seafood and light antipasti. Many winegrowers also appreciate Bombino Bianco for sparkling wines (Metodo Martinotti/Charmat).

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Bombino Nero
Bombino Nero is the red sister and is usually found in grape or rosé wines. It produces light, cherry-red wines with fine fruitiness, soft tannins and a moderate body. It is characterized by aromas of red berries, cherries and sometimes subtle herbal notes. Due to their low tannin structure, Bombino Nero wines are suitable for early consumption.

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Use in appellations
In Apulia, Bombino Bianco is permitted in DOCs such as Castel del Monte, Orvieto (partly) and Salice Salentino (white) as well as in various IGTs. Bombino Nero appears in rosato versions of the Salento Rosato DOC and in regional IGT red wines. In Campania, Bombino Bianco is also occasionally used in blends of Fiano or Falanghina wines.

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Food recommendations
· Bombino Bianco: Serve with mussels, grilled fish, summer salads and light pasta dishes.

· Bombino Nero/Rosato: Goes well with antipasti with ham, grilled vegetables, pizza and light meat dishes.

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Future prospects
Thanks to climate change and the demand for fresh, low-alcohol wines, Bombino Bianco in particular is gaining new interest. Innovative producers are experimenting with late-harvest and sparkling wine varieties in order to exploit the potential of these underestimated indigenous varieties. - Gerardo [TS05/25]