Barsaglina

Barsaglina is a red Italian wine grape variety that is grown in Tuscany and Liguria where it most often used to add color and tannins to blends.

Barsaglina was near extinction until a Tuscan wine producer, Paolo Storchi, help revive the variety by making it a significant component of his red Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) Toscana blend.

[1] Ampelographers believe that the Ligurian synonym Massaretta could be derived from the province of Massa and Carrara in Tuscany that borders Liguria and hints at the potential birthplace of Barsaglina.

Morphological similarities in the vine, leaves and cluster of the variety has also suggested to some ampelographers that there may be a potential relationship with the notable Tuscan wine grape Sangiovese.

[1] While Barsaglina has had a long history of cultivation around Carrara and Massa, the grape was on the verge of extinction in the late 20th century until a Tuscan wine producer, Paolo Storchi, revived plantings of the variety at his Podere Scurtarola estate (much the same way Storchi help revived Vermentino nero).

Ampelographers have noted the morphological similarities between Sangiovese (pictured) and Barsaglina which may suggest a close relationship between the two varieties.
Barsaglina is most widely planted in the province of Massa and Carrara in northwest Tuscany.