Raboso [ruh-BOH-soh]
A red-wine grape grown primarily in Italy’s Veneto region, where it’s thought to have originated. Raboso’s known for its heavy tannins, high acid, and deep color. There are two distinct clones of this variety—Raboso Veronese and Raboso del Piave. Raboso Veronese produces greater yields and is more widely planted. Raboso del Piave, also known as Friularo or Friulara, produces a more austere wine than does the Raboso Veronese grape. Raboso is often blended with much softer wines to improve their structure, complexity, and smoothness. The Raboso varietal wines from the Piave DOC are usually harsh and austere in their youth but can soften nicely with age. This variety is also called Negron.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.