Passerina
The History
The Passerina vine variety has white grapes and is a native species of central Italy, but its exact origin is still disputed between the Marches and the area around Teramo of the Abruzzi. This dispute is due to the fact that it is a very ancient vine variety cultivate all over central Italy even though it has different synonyms. Its particular name comes from the sparrows ("passeri" in Italian) that really enjoy this variety's small grapes because of their particularly sweet taste. In central Italy it is called with various names: Uva Passera, Caccione, Trebbiano di Teramo, Campolese, Uva Fermana, Uva d'Oro, Cacciadebiti and Pagadebiti. The last two names are connected with the fact that in the past it was used as a payment means. In the last years, thanks to the introduction of the denominations of origin, this vine variety joined a new boost, often along with the Pecorino vine variety or as single.
