Chatus is a red wine grape native to the Piemonte (‘Piedmont’) region of Italy where it was once very common.
Other names: In Piedmontese dialect Chatus is called Bournin or Nebbiolo di Dronero.
Where grown: In Piemonte Chatus is found only in the lower Val Maira, mainly on the hills around Saluzzo, Pinerolo and in the Canavese areas.
Viticulture: Chatus is an easy variety to grow as its small berries resist grey rot well and are only slightly sensitive to powdery mildew.
Wines: Chatus is often blended with other local varieties, such as Barbera or Neretta Cuneese, providing body, structure and deep colour.
Wine style: Chatus produces red wines with by deep purple-black hues and delicately spicy, herbal aromas.
Bibliography
Ian D’Agata, Native wine grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014).