Verdea is a native white grape variety widespread in Lombardy but probably of Tuscan origins. It is assumed that the name Verdea derives from the Latin “viridis verde” for the color of the grapes or for certain greenish reflections of the wine.

The vine has in fact found its greatest diffusion in the province of Piacenza and in the Lombard provinces of Milan and Pavia, in particular in the DOC San Colombano area. Verdea is still found in Tuscany (the first mentions date back to the 14th century) where it is known as Colombana. Being ideal for drying in the fruit cellar, it is not uncommon to find it in sweet wines even vinified in purity.