The Sciascinoso grape variety is a black-skinned grape widely cultivated in Campania, where it is often confused with Olivella Nera due to the elongated shape of its berries, which resemble olives. In reality, the name Olivella has been used for various grape varieties over time because of their similarity in berry shape and color, which resembles an olive. In Campania, all the denominations refer exclusively to Sciascinoso (sometimes labeled as “locally called Olivella”), while Olivella Nera is recognized in the IGT Frusinate regulations in Lazio. DNA testing would be necessary to determine whether there are substantial differences between Olivella and Sciascinoso, although both can likely be traced back to the Oleaginea grape mentioned by Pliny the Elder.
Sciascinoso is primarily grown in the provinces of Naples and Avellino, though it is also found elsewhere in the region and sporadically in southern Lazio. It is a highly vigorous grape variety that buds early and is trained on trellises. However, it ripens late, producing grapes with high acidity and low sugar concentration, making it more suitable as a blending grape as it does not provide sufficient structure for a wine.
Sciascinoso wines produced in purity have a dense ruby red color with brilliant highlights. On the nose, they are vinous and not very deep, with dominant fruity notes. On the palate, they are slightly acidic, almost astringent, with a light to medium body.
Sciascinoso is included in the regulations for Campi Flegrei DOC, where it is listed as Olivella, as well as in Costa d’Amalfi, Penisola Sorrentina, and Irpinia DOC. In Sannio, Solopaca, and Vesuvio DOC, it is referred to as Sciascinoso.
