
Uva Rara [oo-vah
Though its name means "Rare Grape" in Italian, this varietal can be found throughout the Oltrepò Pavese region of Lombardy, in northern Italia. Not of much interest on its own, the Uva Rara is mainly used to soften and add aromatics to the Spanna (Nebbiolo) that is grown locally.
"100% Uva Rara are rare (no pun intended). They produce a bright purple/ruby colored wine with aromas of wild berries, chalk, and black pepper underlaid with cherry, dry leaves, and violets. On the palate the wine is spunky, but still well balanced. Shows beautiful fruit, but is not a "fruity" wine per se. Fresh and lively finish."
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31561