New Varietals
The Outer Coastal Plain Vineyard Association (OCPVA) is pleased to announce that it has named and released for commercial sale two new wine grape varieties: San MarcoTM and Trentina TM. The vines were bred by Marco Stefanini a grape breeder and researcher at Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM) located in the Trento-Alto Adige region of Italy.
OCPVA and FEM have collaborated for several years to test and import the varieties, culminating in an agreement giving OCPVA the exclusive rights to propagate and sell them in the United States. FEM has obtained US patents for both. San MarcoTM is a red wine grape, a cross between two traditional varieties grown in Trento-Alto Adige: Teroldego and Lagrein. The vine produces oval grapes in a loose bunch with improved fungal disease resistance. The wine is characterized as high quality with good body, aromas of fruit, floral and spice and smooth structured tannins. San MarcoTM is named after its developer.
Trentina TM is a white wine grape cross between Muscato Ottonel and Malvasia di Candia Aromatica. Clusters are loose and medium sized with yellow to brownish yellow berries and less susceptibility to Botyritis cinerea than its parents. Wine made from Trentina TM is smooth, aromatic, and floral with a hint of spiciness and is balanced with moderate acidity. Its name reflects the region of its origin.
OCPVA had previously identified Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region as having a climate similar to the Outer Coastal Plain AVA. Since 2010, OCPVA has worked with FEM to identify new varieties that would grow well in the OCP and produce high quality wines. Trial plantings by OCPVA members started in 2012 and the first commercial distribution of the new vines through Double A Vineyards of Fredonia NY took place this year. The vines will be offered for sale through Double A Vineyards. The first release of San Marco was made by Belleview Winery in 2021.
To learn more about the development of San Marco and Trentina, click on the link below: