Marzemino

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Marzemino is a red Italian wine grape grown mainly around Isera, south of Trentino. It is best known for being mentioned in Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni, where a character asks for “Marzimino.” The grape ripens late and is vulnerable to several diseases, especially oidium. Wines from Marzemino are typically dark in color with a light plum flavor.

DNA studies suggest a northern Italian origin, with connections to Marzemina bianca (Veneto), Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, and Teroldego. Today it’s grown across northern Italy, especially in Lombardy, Trentino, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In Lombardy it is often blended with Barbera, Groppello, Merlot, or Sangiovese; in Trentino it is commonly made as a varietal wine. It has had only a minor role in Chianti and is now rare in Tuscany.

Marzemino is prone to fungal diseases and can yield heavily if not managed. It needs a long growing season. The wines can be light with lively acidity and may even be slightly sparkling; in cooler climates the acidity can taste grassy with some cherry notes. There are also sweet passito versions, often blended with other grapes.

Synonyms for Marzemino include Balsamina nera, Barzemin, Bassamino, Berzemino Calopico, Bossamino, Magnacan, Marsemina, Marzamino, Marzemin, Marzemino d'Isera, Marzemino gentile, Marzemino Padovano, Merzemina and Uva Tedesco.