Perricone

Perricone is a little-cultivated red wine grape variety grown in western Sicily. It is most commonly used in blends with the island's dominant grape, Nero d'Avola, where it offers up texture and a deep pigment. Perricone is permitted in a handful of Sicilian DOC titles, including Eloro, Contea di Sclafani and Monreale. In practice, however, varietal Perricone wines are usually labeled under the island's IGT title.

Despite bearing no relation, Perricone is often described as being quite similar to Barbera, with high acidity and characteristics of red berries, earth and herbs. However, Perricone has strong, noticeable tannins that can accentuate the bitterness many people find on the palate of these wines.

Synonyms include: Tuccarino, Pignatello (not to be confused with Pignoletto).

Food matches for Piedirosso include:

• Pasta with Italian sausage, mushrooms and peas
• Braised lamb ragu
• Eggplant parmigiana