RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Gamba di Pernice is a little-known, dark-skinned variety grown in minute amounts in the northwest of Italy. It is one of Piedmont's oldest varieties, although it has been largely forgotten by most growers. Translated from Italian, its name means "partridge leg" – a reference to its red stalks. The first written mention of Gamba di Pernice is by Count Nuvolone in 1708.

The Calosso DOC was created in 2011 and Gamba di Pernice is its principal grape variety. Calosso DOC wines must contain a minimum of 90 percent Gamba di Pernice. Although lightly colored, Gamba di Pernice wines have concentrated flavors, with a spicy, herbal character, and the ability to age well.

The Gamba di Pernice, an aromatic grape, is one of varieties that survived the phylloxera at the end of the nineteenth century.

For a long time, the variety was grown on small family plots, often in mixed vineyards, typical of mountain agriculture. The geographic isolation of the foothill valleys preserved its identity, preventing it from being replaced by more productive grape varieties during the 20th century. Its rediscovery is relatively recent: starting in the 1990s, thanks to the work of local winemakers and Piedmontese ampelographers, Gamba Rossa was recovered, catalogued, and promoted as a living testimony to the viticultural biodiversity of the Susa Valley and Pinerolo areas.

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 2007, Gamba Rossa grapes produce musts with good acidity, intense color, and present yet fine tannins. Vinification generally takes place in stainless steel, with medium-length macerations to preserve freshness and aromatic integrity.
The aromatic profile is dominated by fresh red fruit (cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry) with floral nuances (violet) and light spicy and herbaceous notes typical of Alpine grape varieties. Aging in wood is not always necessary, but can add complexity to more structured versions. 

 The wine has tannins that soften with age, moving from a marked spicy note in youth to more complex and ethereal aromas, maintaining a great aging capacity (over 20 years)                                                 

Courtesy of: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamba_di_Pernice )

 (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)  

VIVC: https://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=4385

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes:  Gamba Rossa wines have a brilliant ruby ​​red color with purple highlights. On the nose, fresh aromas of small red fruits, red flowers, and medicinal herbs emerge, sometimes accompanied by notes of white pepper or delicate spices.

On the palate, they are lean, lively, and harmonious, with sustained acidity, fine tannins, and a fresh, slightly mineral finish. Their agile and fragrant character recalls the style of traditional Alpine reds, without sacrificing a good consistency of flavor. (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)  

Food pairings:  It pairs very well with ravioli, stuffed pasta, or dishes with structured sauces such as pasta carbonara. Ideal with red meats, especially lamb (especially if spiced with cumin), or game. It's also excellent with pork. Finanziera (a traditional Piedmontese offal ragù) is considered an excellent pairing.  Thanks to its typical spicy note, it also pairs well with medium-aged cheeses and dishes with a strong flavour.

Production areas: Calosso DOC, Pinerolese DOC

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/gamba-rossa-gamba-di-pernice/

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