Passerina is a white wine grape variety grown predominantly in the Marche and Abruzzo regions of Italy. There are two theories on the origin of its name: either from the Italian word "passero", meaning sparrow, indicating that the bird was known to feast on these grapes, or from "Pescara", a town in Abruzzo, where the variety was once largely cultivated.
This grape is often used in blends, but can also be made into a varietal wine. Passerina wines are known for their bright, lively acidity and apple, pear and almond flavours. They tend to be light- to medium-bodied with a smooth texture. More aromatic versions may exhibit floral and citrus notes, while others may have a mineral finish.
Passerina is also used to make sparkling wines, which can range from dry to sweet and are known for their crispness and fresh fruit flavours. These wines are best consumed within a few years of their bottling.
