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Underdog Grape · Italy

Croatina, Vespolina & Uva Rara

Pronounced kroh-ah-TEE-nah

In a forgotten corner of Lombardy, three native grapes make rustic, lightly fizzy reds — and one stubborn legend, Lino Maga, turned them into a cult wine called Barbacarlo.

Tasting profile
Full tasting notes live in the deep dive.
Where it grows
Oltrepò Pavese, Italy
Explore the Northern Italy field guide
Where to buy
For specific bottles and where to buy them, read the deep dive.

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The region

Oltrepò Pavese, Italy

If you like

Barbera

Wines like Croatina, Vespolina & Uva Rara

Kallmet, Shesh & VloshParraleta, Moristel & AlcañónAreni & indigenous Armenian blendsGaglioppo

Croatina, Vespolina & Uva Rara: common questions

What wine is Croatina, Vespolina & Uva Rara similar to?
If you usually drink Barbera, Croatina, Vespolina & Uva Rara is the underdog swap to try. Other lesser-known grapes in the same style: Kallmet, Shesh & Vlosh, Parraleta, Moristel & Alcañón, Areni & indigenous Armenian blends.
Read the deep diveBarbacarlo & the Lost Grapes of Oltrepò Pavese

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