The Pallagrello
Grape
Refers to both Pallagrello Nero and Pallagrello Bianco, ancient grape varieties native to Campania, Italy. Pallagrello Nero produces full-bodied, tannic red wines with dark fruit flavors, while Pallagrello Bianco makes aromatic white wines with floral and citrus notes, both showcasing the diversity of Campanian viticulture.
Pallagrello
Grape History
Pallagrello is an ancient and rare grape variety that has a long and storied history in the Campania region of Italy. Believed to have originated in Campania, specifically in the province of Caserta, Pallagrello has been cultivated for centuries, dating back to the Roman Empire. The grape variety almost went extinct in the 20th century but has been making a comeback in recent years thanks to a renewed interest in indigenous and traditional grape varieties.
Pallagrello is actually two distinct but related grape varieties: Pallagrello Bianco and Pallagrello Nero. Pallagrello Bianco is a white grape with a floral aroma and delicate flavors, while Pallagrello Nero is a dark-skinned grape with rich, bold flavors reminiscent of dark berries and spice. Both varieties are known for their high acidity and structured tannins, making them ideal for producing complex and age-worthy wines.
Pallagrello is primarily grown in the provinces of Caserta and Naples in Campania, where it thrives in the volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate of the region. The grape variety is often blended with other local varieties such as Aglianico, Casavecchia, and Piedirosso to create unique and distinctive wines that showcase the terroir of Campania.
Pallagrello wines are typically made in a traditional style, with extended maceration and aging in large oak barrels to develop complexity and depth. The resulting wines are full-bodied and well-structured, with a balanced acidity and a long, lingering finish. Pallagrello wines are known for their ability to age gracefully, gaining complexity and nuance over time.
In recent years, Pallagrello has been gaining recognition both in Italy and internationally for its high quality and unique character. Wine producers in Campania are increasingly focusing on reviving and promoting indigenous grape varieties like Pallagrello as a way to showcase the region's rich winemaking heritage and distinct terroir.
The future looks bright for Pallagrello, as more and more wine enthusiasts are seeking out traditional and authentic wines that reflect a sense of place. With its long history, unique flavor profile, and potential for producing exceptional wines, Pallagrello is poised to become a star grape variety in the world of Italian wine.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel