The red grape variety originates from Italy; the name means "red foot" and derives from the red wood of the vine trunk. Synonyms are Palombina, Palombina Nera, Palumbina, Palumbina Nera, Palumbo, Palummina, Palummina Nera, Perepalummo, Piede Colombo (engl. "Pigeon's Foot"), Piede di Colombo, Piede di Colombo Gentile, Piede Palumbo, Per'e Palummo, Senese Rosso and Streppa Verde. It must not be confused with the varieties Piedirosso Avellinese, Piedirosso Beneventano or Piedirosso Napoletano, which are no longer cultivated. According to an unverifiable hypothesis, the Piedirosso variety mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79) under the name "Columbina Purpurea" is said to have been an ancestor. The very old variety was mentioned as Palombina in the 16th century, but under its present name only in 1905. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is a presumably natural cross between Tintora x unknown variety. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics).
The medium-maturing vine is relatively resistant to powdery mildew, but susceptible to downy mildew. It produces velvety red wines with fresh acidity and aromas of plums and cherries. The variety is widespread in the Italian region of Campania, where it is permitted in the DOC red wines Campi Flegrei, Cilento, Costa d'Amalfi, Capri, Falerno del Massico, Ischia, Penisola Sorrentina, Sannio, Taurasi and Vesuvio. There are also other stocks in the Puglia region. In 2016, a total of 593 hectares of vines were designated in Italy, with a downward trend (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
