Piedirosso

Also known as Per'e Palummo, Palombina.

Piedirosso is a red wine grape native to Campania, where it is the region's second most important black variety after Aglianico. Its local name 'Per'e palummo' (dove's foot) and the Italian 'Piedirosso' (red foot) both refer to the red, claw-like color of its pedicels and stalk at ripeness. It is especially associated with the volcanic areas around Naples, including the Campi Flegrei and the islands of Ischia and Capri.

Piedirosso produces medium-bodied reds of ruby color with softer, more moderate tannins than Aglianico and medium acidity, showing red cherry, plum, violet, herbal and earthy notes. It is frequently blended with Aglianico, to which it lends fruit and suppleness, but is also vinified as a fresh varietal wine. It is a late-ripening variety that performs best on warm volcanic soils.