The Neretta Cuneese is an indigenous grape variety from the Cuneo province in Piedmont, although its generic name, which refers to the dark color of its berries, often leads to misidentification and confusion with other varieties. It is currently rarely vinified on its own, typically blended with other local varieties, many of which are also native, such as Avanà. The Neretta Cuneese can be found throughout Piedmont, both in highly suitable winegrowing areas and more marginal regions. The largest concentration of Neretta Cuneese vineyards is found on the hills and alluvial plains of the Cuneo, Saluzzo, and Pinerolo areas, as well as in the Val di Susa.
It is almost always grown in mixed-variety vineyards, rarely vinified alone, but rather blended with other local varieties, often making up the majority due to its high productivity.
Ampelographically, the Neretta Cuneese has medium to large, pentagonal to wedge-shaped leaves, typically with 3, and sometimes 5, lobes. The grape clusters range from medium to large, cylindrical, with prominent wings, and are very compact. The berries are large, spheroid to short ellipsoid in shape, with a highly pruinose, fairly thick skin, bluish-black in color with a grayish tinge from the abundant pruina.
The Neretta Cuneese is a moderately vigorous vine, but with very high and consistent fertility and productivity. This is the reason for its spread to many marginal viticultural areas. However, despite not being a particularly late ripening variety, when overcropped, it tends to produce grapes with limited sugar content and low color intensity, resulting in lower quality wines.
