Pignoletto is an Italian white grape variety with a long history in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is known for its light, crisp and aromatic wines and is one of the most widely planted varieties in the region.
Pignoletto has a light green-yellow colour and produces fruity wines with aromas of green apple and citrus. The taste profile is dry, mineral, and refreshing, with hints of herbal and floral notes.
Pignoletto is mainly grown in the Emilia-Romagna region, with smaller plantings in other parts of Italy, such as Lazio and Tuscany. It is also grown in Argentina and Chile. Pignoletto is a versatile variety but requires careful vineyard management. Depending on the yield, the final wines can be easy-drinking and fruity, or more concentrated and complex. Pignoletto's naturally high acidity makes it a good grape for sparkling wines. The grape contains higher than usual tannin levels in the skins for a white grape. When slightly pressed, the tannins give the wine a chewy, more structured taste. Pignoletto is used to produce several styles of wine in the Emilia-Romagna region, such as sparkling wines, light still wines, and more robust styles with more body and texture. The most famous Pignoletto-based wine is the sparkling wine Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOC. Pignoletto is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its crisp acidity and light body make it a great match for fish, shellfish, and other light dishes. It also pairs well with risotto, pasta dishes, and salads.
Pignoletto is also known as Grechetto di Todi, which is the original name of the grape.
To protect the reputation of the wine, the local producers labelled the wines as Pignoletto and strictly forbid its use elsewhere.