What is "parrina"

Parrina is a small Italian Denominazione di Origine Controllata comprising parts of the commune of Orbetello in the province of Grosseto, Tuscany. The DOC was awarded in 1971, and extends to with about 20 wine producers, the largest of which, by far, is Antica Fattoria La Parrina. The DOC originally allowed only the use of Italian varieties such as Trebbiano, Sangiovese and Ansonica, but an amendment in 1986 recognised emerging trends in allowing the use of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. About 50% of the wine production is white, 35% red, and 15% rosato (rosé, or pink). The name "Parrina" may originate from the Castilian word for a pergola on which vines or figs are grown. Others argue the area took its name from the Parrini order which had a monastery here in the twelfth century (although the existence of such an order is hard to substantiate).

The small Parrina DOC is located entirely within the larger Ansonica Costa dell'Argentario DOC.