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Pignolo

Pignolo is a red grape variety known for its dark colour, intense aromas, and powerful tannins. It is primarily grown in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a northeastern region of Italy. Despite the name, Pignolot is unrelated to Emilia-Romagna's Pignoletto, or Lombardy's Pignola.

Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile

The grape has a dark blue-black colour, with a woody, spicy, and a tannic, full-bodied taste. It produces wines that are high in alcohol, with intense flavours of blackberry, blueberry and plum. Pignolo is known to be among the most tannic grape varieties in Italy.

Fresh Pignolo grapes on the vine

Regional Features & Food Pairings

Pignolo is primarily grown in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, where it is used to make a varietal wine, as well as blended with other varieties. It is also grown in small amounts in the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Lombardy regions. Pignolo is a difficult grape to cultivate. It is a relatively low-yielding variety, and sentitive to various diseases. It's best grown in well-ventilated, sunny sites. Because of its high tannin level, Pignolo wine is often aged for a years before its release. The most famous example of Pignolo is from the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, where it is blended with other local varieties, such as Refosco and Schioppettino. Other regional styles include dry and semi-sweet, as well as sparkling wines. Pignolo is a great accompaniment to dishes with rich sauces and game meats. It also pairs well with hard cheeses, cured meats, and stews.

Foods to pair with Pignolo:

Pasta
Pizza
Beef
Sausage
Smoky
Light meat
Salad
Fun Fact about Pignolo
Pignolo is the Italian word for "fussy", which is fitting for this difficult-to-grow grape variety. However, the etymology of the name of the grape comes from "pigno", which refers to the pinecone shaped bunch.

Top Wines with Pignolo

Bottle of La Tunella L'Arcione from search results

La Tunella L'Arcione

La Tunella

User Rating:
4.1
Highly Reviewed
Expert Rating:
3.8
La Tunella L'Arcione is a remarkable wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Hailing from a prestigious appellation, this wine is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. The vineyard where the grapes are grown boasts unique features that contribute to the wine's exceptional quality. The winemaking process involves a combination of traditional techniques and modern innovation, resulting in a wine that beautifully balances tradition and innovation. L'Arcione is known for its elegant style, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas that captivate the senses. This wine is a true testament to the artistry and passion behind its creation.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Vegetable
Asian Food
Noodle
Cheese
Game
Ham And Bacon
Mushroom
Casserole
Learn More
$28.57
Go to Shop
1 Vintage Available
Bottle of Dorigo Pignolo from search results

Dorigo Pignolo

Dorigo

User Rating:
0.0
Rarely Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Dorigo Pignolo is a highly sought-after wine produced in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. This wine is crafted by a renowned winery known for its commitment to quality and tradition. The grapes used to make Dorigo Pignolo are grown in carefully selected vineyards that benefit from the region's unique terroir, characterized by a combination of limestone and clay soils. The winemaking process involves meticulous attention to detail, including hand-harvesting and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine is known for its deep, intense flavors, with notes of dark fruits, spices, and a hint of earthiness.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Vegetable
Asian Food
Noodle
Cheese
Game
Ham And Bacon
Mushroom
Casserole
Learn More
$71.99
Go to Shop
1 Vintage Available