Piedirosso

Piedirosso is an Italian red grape variety that is responsible for some of the best wines of the Campania region. It is a medium-bodied wine, characterized by its intense ruby colour, fragrant aromas and flavours of sour cherry, raspberry and herbs.

Piedirosso grapes have a blue-black colour, with thick skins and firm pulp. Its aromas are fragrant, with notes of cherry, plum, earthy and spicy notes. On the palate, Piedirosso wines are medium-bodied and fresh, with a juicy acidity, flavours of red and black fruits, and hints of coffee, earthiness and mushroom.

Piedirosso is mainly grown in the Campania region of Italy, where it is the most widely planted grape variety. It is also planted in small quantities in Puglia. In the vineyard, Piedirosso is a vigorous and productive variety, and is well-adapted to the hot and dry climate of southern Italy. The grapes are harvested in late September or early October, when they have reached optimum ripeness.In the winery, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks, and then aged for several months in oak barrels. The most famous Piedirosso wines are produced in the Campania region, where they are vifified as a varietal wine or blended with Aglianico and other local varieties. Piedirosso is permitted in several appellations in Campania, among which Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio has the largest percentage of it. The wines are medium to full-bodied and complex, with intense aromas, flavours, bright acidity and well-structured tannins. It is also allowed to put a small percentage of Piedirosso to Campania's famous Taurasi DOCG. The grape softens the tannins and body of Aglianico. Piedirosso pairs well with a variety of dishes, from roasted chicken and grilled vegetables to pasta dishes. It is also a great wine for sipping on its own. The blended Piediorosso wines are ideal for heavier dishes such as steak, lamb or grilled pork.

The name “Piedirosso” means “red feet” in Italian, and is believed to be a reference to the bright red colour of the grape’s stems and leaves.