Pallagrello Nero is an ancient black grape variety from Campania, native to the Caserta area and historically linked to the Piedimonte Matese region. Its reputation grew in the 18th century, when Ferdinand IV of Bourbon chose to plant it in the famous Vigna del Ventaglio vineyard, near the Royal Palace of Caserta, helping to establish it as one of the court’s favourite wines. Today, its cultivation is concentrated mainly in the hills around Caiazzo and Matese, in the areas of Caiazzo, Castel Campagnano, Castel di Sasso, Pontelatone, Alvignano, Piedimonte Matese and the surrounding regions.
From an ampelographic point of view, it has medium-to-large leaves, pentagonal or orbicular in shape, generally three- or five-lobed, with a tomentose underside. The bunch is cylindrical, of medium length, compact and sometimes with a small wing. The berry is small, spherical and uniform, with a thick, firm, pruinose skin of a blue-black colour; the flesh, juicy and lightly coloured, has a neutral flavour.
The wine is characterised by an intense ruby-red colour, which develops into garnet hues with ageing. On the nose, it reveals ripe red fruits, blackberry and jam, accompanied by hints of tobacco and spices. On the palate, it is structured, warm and harmonious, with fine, well-integrated tannins. Its good extract content supports its development and makes it well-suited to ageing in oak and prolonged bottle ageing.
