Colorino

Colorino, rare, deep-coloured dark grape variety used traditionally to add colour to blends of chianti and vino nobile di montelpulciano. Four different varieties of Colorino can be distinguished, with 2010 plantings totalling 421 ha/1,039 acres. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw an upsurge in interest in Colorino as an ingredient capable of adding tannins and colour to firm up the structure of Sangiovese without the aromatic impact of the Cabernet Sauvignon.