Grignolino is a red Italian wine grape variety commonly grown in the Piedmont region. It makes light colored wines and rosés with very fruity aromas, strong acidity and tannins. The name Grignolino derives from the word “grignole” which means “many pips” in the local Piedmontese dialect of the Asti region. The abondance of pips, or seeds, contribute to the strong, bitter tannins associated with the wine. Modern winemaker try to avoid the excess tannins with gentle and slow pressings. Grignolino has two Denominazione di origine controllata (DOCs) that produce wine from it: Asti and Casale Monferrato.

Winemaking

Maceration in contact with the skins for 8-10 days, racking and slow fermentation of the young wine for 2-3 weeks.

Tasting notes

A tenuous ruby-red colour with orangey reflections. Very fine and delicate bouquet that exalts an intense fruitiness. Dry, pleasantly bitterish, with a longlasting aftertaste. It is advisable not to let it age long.

Food pairing

It pairs with hors d’oeuvres, soups, light first courses and white meat.