Uva Rara

Uva Rara is one of the quiet, essential grapes of northern Italy, a soft and perfumed red that has long played a supporting role in some of Piedmont and Lombardy’s most distinctive wines. Its very name, meaning rare grape, hints at its elusive, understated charm. It is also, and wrongly, called Bonarda Novarese and Croatina; both are distinct varieties, and the Croatina confusion is worth watching for, since Bonarda naming in the north-west is already tangled. Increasingly bottled on its own, Uva Rara rewards curious drinkers with gentle, fragrant reds of genuine appeal.

Origins and history Uva Rara is a native red grape of the northern regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, where it has been cultivated for centuries. In the Novara hills it is widely known as Bonarda Novarese, a name that reflects its long local history but should not be confused with the true Bonarda grapes. For generations it has been valued chiefly as a blending partner, adding softness and lift to the region’s more structured reds.

A supporting player Uva Rara’s traditional role is to soften and perfume the wines of its northern homeland. In the Nebbiolo-based appellations of the Novara and Vercelli hills, such as Boca, Fara and Sizzano, it plays a secondary part alongside Nebbiolo, providing roundness, colour stability and aromatic lift. In Lombardy’s Oltrepò Pavese it is blended with Croatina and Barbera, again contributing its gentle, fruity character to the mix.

Appearance and structure The wines are typically light to medium-bodied with a bright ruby colour, moderate acidity and soft, approachable tannins. Uva Rara is a grape of delicacy rather than power, offering an easy, supple texture that makes it immediately drinkable. Its role, whether solo or in a blend, is to add fragrance and gentle fruit rather than structure or grip.

Aromatic profile Uva Rara is prized above all for its perfume, offering delicate aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry and rose petal, lifted by a hint of white pepper and dried herbs. On the palate it delivers ripe red berries and a gentle touch of spice. The bouquet is notably expressive for such a light wine, though varietal versions can occasionally show a slightly bitter finish.

In the vineyard The variety grows in the hilly country of northern Piedmont and Lombardy, adapting well to the region’s soils and cooler climate. As a blending grape it has long been planted alongside Nebbiolo, Croatina and Barbera, valued for its reliability and its softening influence. Careful cultivation helps it achieve ripeness and fragrance while preserving its characteristic delicacy.

In the cellar Uva Rara is most often vinified as part of a blend, fermented alongside or blended with the more structured reds it complements. As a varietal wine it is generally made in a fresh, fruit-forward style that highlights its perfume and soft texture. Its gentle nature means it rarely demands heavy oak, though sensitive winemaking helps to round out any bitterness on the finish.

Key expressions

• A softening partner in Nebbiolo blends like Boca and Sizzano.
• Oltrepò Pavese blends with Croatina and Barbera.
• Perfumed, fruit-forward varietal bottlings.
• Light, everyday northern Italian reds of gentle charm.

The question of aging Uva Rara is chiefly a grape for early, youthful enjoyment, its charm lying in its fresh fruit and fragrant bouquet rather than in structure for the cellar. Varietal versions are generally best drunk within a few years of the vintage. In blends, however, its contribution supports wines that can age well thanks to their more structured Nebbiolo or Croatina components.

At the table Its soft tannins, moderate acidity and gentle fruit make Uva Rara an easy and versatile food wine, well suited to the cuisine of northern Italy. It pairs happily with salumi, risotto, poultry, mushroom dishes and lighter meats, and its fragrance flatters herb-driven cooking. Serve it lightly cool to accentuate its bright, perfumed character.

Why it matters Uva Rara may be a grape of the supporting cast, but its softening, perfuming influence is woven into many of northern Italy’s most characterful reds. Its emergence as a varietal wine gives drinkers a chance to appreciate its gentle charm in its own right. For those exploring the quieter corners of Piedmont and Lombardy, this rare grape is a delicate and rewarding find.