In 1825, 8 different varieties of Marzemino were described and its origin is rather uncertain: some theories say that it was imported to Trentino from Carinthia, while others believe it hails from Veneto and the Bassano area in particular.
The name seems to refer to the medieval Latin word Marzerimen, literally “March corn seeds”, to indicate small berries. This theory is not confirmed, however, by today’s dimensions of the grapes.
The eclectic nature of this grape variety is reflected in the multitude of its names: Bassamino, Barzemin, Berzamino, Berzemino, Marzemina, Marzemino Gentile, Marzemino d’Istria, Capolico, etc.
As part of this slightly chaotic patrimony of origins and designations, Capriano del Colle undoubtedly boasts the paternity of 2 of the 15 Marzemino clones acknowledged by the National Register of Vines.