Piedirosso is a red wine grape native to Italy where it is found in Campania. It is the second most planted red grape there, with most plantings concentrated in the province of Napoli (Naples).
The name: Piedirosso references its red stalks, which resemble the “red feet” of the vine. It is also known as also known as “Per ‘e palummo” (Pigeon Foot), Streppa Rossa, Piedirosso Beneventano and Piedirosso Napoletano.
Wines: Campi Flegrei DOC (Campania). | Ischia DOC (Campania). | Penisola Sorrentina DOC (Campania). | Sannio DOC Piedirosso (Campania). | Vesuvio DOC Lacryma Christi Rosso (Campania).
Wine style: Piedirosso’s still dry red wines are often pale in colour due to its poor anthocyanin content. The wine shows vibrant red berry and !oral notes with nuances of tar and herbal perfume. This herbal note can turn very green and weedy in bad vintages. Piedirosso is often blended with Aglianico, softening the acidity and edgy tannins. Some monovarietal bottlings can also be found.
Bibliography
Italian Wine Unplugged (Positive Press, 2017), p.126.