Bonamico has been historically grown across Tuscany but following World War II and the post-war economic turmoil of the 1950s and 1960s, plantings of the grape sharply declined and it is now mostly found in the provinces of Pisa, Pistoia and Lucca where it is also used as a table grape.[1]
Viticulture
The name "Bonamico" is derived from the Italian term for "good friend" which ampelographers believe may be a reference to the grape's propensity to produce bountiful yields. However, these high yields coupled with Bonamico being a late ripening variety meant that the grape often produced off balanced wines with high acidity levels, unripe tannins and low alcohol levels.[1]
Wine regions
In 2000, there were 100 hectares (250 acres) of Bonamico in cultivation, mostly in the province of Pisa and in the provinces of Lucca and Pistoia.[1]
Over the years, Bonamico has been known under a variety of synonyms including: Buenamico, Buon Amico, Buonamico, Canaiolo Romano, Ceragia, Dorace, Durace, Giacomino, Neret, Neyret, Pulera, Sangioveto, Tinto, Uva di Palaia and Uva Rosa.[2]
References
^ abcdeJ. Robinson, J. Harding and J. Vouillamoz Wine Grapes - A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours pg 112 Allen Lane 2012 ISBN978-1-846-14446-2