The white grape variety comes from Italy; the name means "foxtail" after the grape shape. Synonyms are Alopecis, Cianca Rossa, Coada Vulpi, Coda di Volpe de Maddaloni, Coda di Vulpe, Durante, Falerno, Guarnaccia Bianca and Lisica Opasca Bjelaja. According to one hypothesis, it is the descendant of the ancient vine variety Alopecis described by Pliny the Elder (23-79), whose appearance reminded him of the "rod of a fox". However, this is true of many grape varieties, or rather, this description was frequently used. The synonym Falerno also associates an "ancient relationship", namely with the famous Falerno. It was first mentioned in 1592 by the scholar Giovanni Battista della Porta (1535-1615).
It must not be confused with Caprettone (Crapettone), Coda di Pecora, Codivarta, Pallagrello Bianco or Trebbiano Toscano, despite the fact that they appear to have synonyms or morphological similarities. There is no relationship with the variety Pallagrello Nero (with synonym Coda di Volpe Nera). The medium to late ripening vine has berries rich in sugar. It produces golden, spicy white wines with aromas of stone fruits and a slightly salty, mineral taste. The variety is widespread in Campania, especially in the provinces of Avellino and Benevento, and is permitted in the DOC wines Campi Flegrei, Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Irpinia, Sannio, Terre di Cosenza and Vesuvio. In 2010, 586 hectares of vineyards were registered, with a sharply decreasing trend, in 2000 it was twice as much (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: M.I.P.A.A.F - National Vine Certification Service