Incrocio Bruni 54 is a rare white grape variety created by crossing Sauvignon Blanc and Verdicchio Bianco. The variety is also known under alternative names such as Bruni 54, Dorico, and Sauvignon x Verdicchio. It was developed in 1936 in Italy by the renowned Italian agronomist Bruno Bruni, a breeder responsible for creating numerous grape crossings.
While still relatively uncommon, Incrocio Bruni 54 is primarily cultivated in the Marche region of Italy, where it thrives in the region’s unique terroir. The grape variety is particularly noted for its aromatic intensity, producing wines that showcase a balance of spice, freshness, and a characteristic mineral edge.
Incrocio Bruni 54 is a modern white grape variety that combines the vibrant aromatic complexity of Sauvignon Blanc with the structured minerality and freshness of Verdicchio Bianco. The result is a distinctive grape with a unique expression that sets it apart from its parent varieties.
Bruno Bruni created Incrocio Bruni 54 in 1936 by crossing the Verdicchio and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties. The crossing took place in Italy, where Bruni worked for the Italian Ministry of Agriculture between 1930 and 1950. Bruni pursued this cross because he was fond of sparkling wines made solely from Verdicchio and wanted to enhance the viticulture diversity of the Le Marche region.
Typically, a grape flower contains both male and female reproductive organs, making it hermaphroditic. The grape flower consists of:
This structure allows for self-pollination in most cultivated grape varieties. However, some wild vines and a few cultivated varieties may have female-only flowers.
The name "Incrocio Bruni 54" comes from Bruni's 54th attempt at creating this particular cross. By cutting out the male parts of the Verdicchio flower and pollinating the flower with Sauvignon Blanc, Bruni created this cross. The resulting grape variety embodies characteristics of both parent grapes, producing wines with the aromas of Sauvignon Blanc and the texture of Verdicchio.
The Incrocio Bruni 54 has some pretty specific needs when it comes to farming and climate. These conditions are what give it its one-of-a-kind character.
This is one of those cases where history has not caught up with reality. The Disciplinare, the Italian wine rulebook, gets updated occasionally, but a swath of high-quality vineyard land adjacent to Tuscany lies outside the five DOCG and 15 DOC regions. Given that there are only a handful of wine producers there, they have not been able to self-advocate for the creation of a new DOC. As such, the wines from these areas, located between the Tuscan wien regions and Colli Pesaresi and Verdiccho dei Castelli di Jesi in Marche, are only allowed to be designated as Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT).
However, the Marche IGT region in Italy provides an ideal environment for the cultivation of Incrocio Bruni 54. The region’s climate and soil characteristics contribute significantly to the grape’s ability to express its full potential.
This grape variety isn't just known for its unique flavor profile—it's also making waves in the world of sustainable viticulture. As wineries and grape growers in Italy's Marche region step up their environmental game, this grape has become a key player in the push for more eco-friendly wine production.
Winemaking techniques play a critical role in shaping the sensory attributes of Incrocio Bruni 54 wines. The variety is vinified using traditional methods that aim to preserve its aromatic complexity while enhancing texture and depth.
Incrocio Bruni 54 pairs exceptionally well with a variety of light yet flavorful dishes. The wine’s acidity and aromatic complexity make it a versatile choice for different cuisines.
Incrocio Bruni 54 is a unique and rare grape variety that combines the best characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdicchio Bianco while bringing its own distinctive flair. The Marche IGT region is the ideal terroir for this grape, ensuring high-quality production with traditional techniques that enhance its expressive aromatic profile and refreshing minerality.
For wine enthusiasts seeking a distinctive white wine experience, Incrocio Bruni 54 is a fantastic option. This wine captures the essence of its heritage while offering a fresh and modern interpretation of Italian white wines.
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