RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: The Pallagrello Bianco and Pallagrello Nero varieties were planted under the former names Piedimonte Bianco and Piedimonte Rosso in the famous "Vigna del Ventaglio" on Monte San Leucio. This vineyard, located near the royal palace of Caserta in Campania was famous for its unique semi-circular fan layout divided into 10 rays, each dedicated to cultivating different grape varieties.

Both Pallagrello varieties were almost extinct and were rediscovered by the lawyer and amateur winegrower Peppe Mancini in the 1990s. Pallagrello Bianco is now mainly cultivated in the Campania province of Caserta.

Despite their shared name and geographical origin in Campania, Italy, Pallagrello Bianco and Pallagrello Nero are genetically distinct grape varieties. They are not color mutations of each other, and DNA studies have shown no direct kinship between the two.

Though the vineyard areas remain limited, Pallagrello Bianco is one of the native varieties playing a leading role in Campania's winemaking renaissance. The growing interest in native vines and in the ampelographic heritage of Campania is encouraging its diffusion among small, quality wineries.

The name “Pallagrello” derives from the dialect term pagliarello, meaning the mat on which the grapes were traditionally placed to dry, or from the shape of the grapes, small and round like little balls (palla, in Italian).

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 2004, Pallagrello Bianco is fairly resistant to downy mildew and major fungal diseases, thanks to its thick-skinned berries. However, it can be susceptible to botrytis in case of persistent rains, especially if the bunches are too compact. Its good vine stability also allows for late harvesting and, in some cases, controlled drying.

From an oenological point of view, Pallagrello Bianco produces rich, aromatically (resembling Viognier) complex musts  with good acidity, suitable both for vinification as a structured dry white wine and for interpretations sur lies, in amphora, with maceration on the skins, or with partial drying. Its versatility also makes it suitable for aging in wood, with excellent results in terms of balance and evolutionary potential.

(Sources: (https://glossary.wein.plus/pallagrello-bianco) &  (https://www.quattrocalici.it/ )

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=25674

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: Pallagrello Bianco wines have an intense straw yellow color, sometimes with golden reflections. On the nose, they express elegant and layered aromas, with notes of white flowers, medicinal herbs, ripe yellow fruit (peach, apricot), candied citrus fruits and mineral or salty hints. In some versions, notes of honey, sweet spices and toasted almonds may also emerge, especially in wines macerated or aged in wood.

On the palate, they are structured, soft, and complex, with a lovely acidity that supports the texture and adds depth. The finish is often persistent and savory, with citrus or saline aftertaste. Some examples show a marked vocation for aging, evolving towards hints of hydrocarbons and dried fruit.

Because of its rounded body, notes of peach, honey, and almond, and underlying volcanic minerality, Pallagrello Bianco acts as a great alternative to rich Chardonnay or Viognier. Its versatility spans across several specific flavor profiles.  (https://www.quattrocalici.it/ )

Food pairings: It pairs perfectly with fresh buffalo mozzarella, seafood-based pasta like Risotto alla Pescatora, and white meats. It also complements spiced plant-based dishes and classic Neapolitan pizza.

• Fresh & Creamy Cheeses
• Seafood & Shellfish
• Herbal & Plant-Based Dishes
• Poultry & Savory Bites

Production areas: IGT Terre del Volurno;  

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/pallagrello-bianco/

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