Bondola Ticino

It was once the most widespread grape variety in the Swiss canton of Ticino, where it was known as early as 1785. Bondola was quickly supplanted by Merlot, introduced in 1906 following the phylloxera epidemic. DNA testing has shown that the Bondola and the Briegler from German-speaking Switzerland are identical. A grape variety characterized by rustic tannins and pronounced acidity, it is now grown only in Ticino, particularly in the Sopraceneri, where it produces fruity, crisp wines with an Alpine character.