Tuscany's deep-coloured blending grape
Colorino
Colorino is a traditional Tuscan red grape prized, as its name suggests, for colour — a small but historically important component of Chianti, lending depth of hue, dark fruit, and firm structure to Sangiovese-based blends.
The Grape
Colorino is a native Tuscan variety whose name comes from the Italian for 'colour' — a nod to its intensely pigmented, thick skins. Historically it was added in small amounts to Chianti and other Tuscan reds to deepen colour and add structure to Sangiovese.
Though rarely seen on its own, Colorino remains a valued part of the traditional Tuscan toolkit. It was also a component of the old practice of governo, and is occasionally bottled as a rare, deeply coloured varietal red by producers exploring Tuscany's indigenous heritage.
History & Origins
Colorino has grown in Tuscany for centuries, valued by growers as a reliable source of colour and tannin in an era before modern winemaking could extract and stabilise pigment from Sangiovese alone. It featured in traditional Chianti blends alongside Sangiovese and Canaiolo.
As winemaking modernised and international grapes arrived, Colorino's role diminished. But interest in indigenous Tuscan varieties has revived attention on the grape, both for authentic traditional blends and for the occasional characterful varietal bottling.
Flavour Profile
Colorino is dark, firm, and structured — built for colour and backbone rather than perfume.
In a Tuscan Blend
Deep colour, blackberry, dark plum, firm tannin
Added in small amounts, Colorino deepens the hue and reinforces the structure of Sangiovese-based reds.
Varietal Colorino
Black fruit, dried herbs, earth, dense tannin
Rare varietal versions are inky, savoury, and tannic — robust Tuscan reds with genuine ageing potential.
What to Pair It With
Colorino's dark fruit and firm structure suit hearty, savoury Tuscan cooking.
Grilled & Roasted Red Meat
Colorino's tannin and depth stand up to bistecca, grilled lamb, and the robust meats of the Tuscan table.
Wild Boar Ragù
Its savoury, dark-fruited character is a natural with classic Tuscan pappardelle al cinghiale.
Aged Pecorino
The wine's structure and earthiness balance the richness of mature Tuscan sheep's cheese.
Hearty Bean & Bread Dishes
Colorino's body complements rustic Tuscan staples like ribollita and sausage-and-bean stews.
Where the Best Comes From
Colorino is a Tuscan speciality, found throughout the region's traditional blending zones.
Chianti & Chianti Classico, Tuscany
Explore Region →Deep, structured, traditional blending red
The traditional home of Colorino, where it has long added colour and structure to Sangiovese-based Chianti.
Central Tuscany
Explore Region →Inky, savoury, age-worthy
Across central Tuscany, producers preserving indigenous varieties use Colorino in authentic blends and rare varietal bottlings.
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