This red grape variety comes from Italy. The name means "partridge's foot" after the red grape stems. Synonyms are Gamba 'd Pernis, Gamba di Pernice, Imperatrice dalla Gamba Rossa, Neretto degli Alteni, Pernice, Pernicine Nell'Albese. The parentage is unknown. The old variety was mentioned in 1787 by Nuvolone Pergamo, Conte di Scandaluzza. It is cultivated in Piedmont under Gamba di Pernice in the province of Asti (DOC area Calosso), as well as under Neretto degli Alteni in the province of Cuneo. The vine yields purple-coloured, spicy red wines with aromas of pepper and green pepper. In 2016, only half a hectare of vineyard was left under the name Gamba Rossa (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien