Pallagrello Nero

Grape variety	Pallagrello Nero
Synonyms	Pallagrella Nera, Piedirosso
Grape colour	Red grape
History	Tracing its roots back to the region of Campania, the Pallagrello Nero grape variety is believed by some scholars to have Greek ancestry. This grape variety was once the darling of Ferdinand IV, the Bourbon King of both Naples and Sicily. In his famous Vigna del Ventaglio, or Fan Vineyard, he planted this grape along with Pallagrello Bianco. However, the devastating phylloxera epidemic in the late 1800s almost drove Pallagrello Nero to extinction. It was only in the 1990s that a local grape cultivator rediscovered and revived this grape variety, a move that was soon replicated by a few other producers. Today, it enjoys a resurgence and is being appreciated once again for its unique characteristics.
Ampelographic features	Pallagrello Nero stands out for its relatively lightweight clusters and berries. The vine's leaves are pentagonal and five-lobed, with a slightly open petiolar sinus. The grape clusters are medium-sized and cylindrical-conical in shape, often winged and with a medium density. The berries are medium in size, spherical, and with a thick, blue-black skin.
Characteristics of the wine	The wine produced from Pallagrello Nero is medium in alcohol content, displays balanced acidity, and exudes a broad flavor profile. It is reasonably tannic, providing a slightly astringent taste, however, it is not particularly suited for extended aging. Instead, it is best enjoyed young, allowing the fruity and spicy notes to come to the fore.