RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Grignolino (Italian: [ɡriɲɲoˈliːno]) is a red Italian wine grape variety commonly grown in the Piedmont region with origins dating back to the Middle Ages in rural Monferrato, initially between the towns of Asti and Casale. The name Grignolino derives from the word grignole which means "many pips" in the local Piedmontese dialect of the Asti region.

Grignolino was for centuries an everyday wine, prized for its fragrance, pale color, and distinct vivacity, a stark contrast to the region's more austere reds.

Between the 19th and 20th centuries, it became one of the symbols of Piedmontese hillside viticulture, frequently cited by agronomists of the time for its finesse and distinctive aromatic personality. Today, Grignolino is considered one of the most delicate, demanding and distinctive grape varieties of eastern Piedmont: a grape capable of combining tradition, elegance, and a frank, recognizable, and profoundly territorial character.

Producers in the Asti region try to model Grignolino on the wines of Beaujolais and those made from the Dolcetto grape in the Cuneo. These light bodied, pale colored wines are made to be consumed young and while waiting for the brawnier, Nebbiolo and Barbera based wines of the region to age. While the grapes are relatively low in alcohol at around 11–12% alc. %/vol, they are rich in anthocyanins but prone to light extraction while maintaining a significant amount of tannins due to the abundance of pips, or seeds. Modern winemaking techniques try to minimize the amount of tannin extraction by utilizing slow and gentle pressings. Short or medium macerations are preferred, at controlled temperatures, to enhance fragrance and elegance. Wines made from Grignolino can have noticeably strong acidity and fruity aroma with alpine notes.

The grape does not like new wood, but can benefit from aging in stainless steel or neutral containers to preserve its aromatic finesse. The expressive profile emphasizes freshness, floral tones, and light spice.

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1970, Grignolino is highly prone to mutation, creating a significant amount of clonal variation. These different clones of Grignolino can impart different aromas and flavor characteristics ranging from green herbal, leafy notes and vegetable stock to raspberry and fruit. The grape is also highly reflective of its terroir and the different types of vineyard soils that it may be planted in. Grignolino is also prone to millerandage, with clusters (or even grapes within a single cluster) at different stages of ripening. The severity of the millderandage varies from year to year and can dramatically affect the quality and yield totals of any given vintage.

 Sources: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grignolino) & (https://www.quattrocalici.it )

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=5019

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: Grignolino wines have a light ruby ​​red color, sometimes verging on cherry. The nose is refined and aromatic, with notes of rose, violet, white pepper, wild strawberry, and aromatic herbs.

On the palate, they are agile, fresh and subtle, yet supported by fine, characteristic, often vibrant tannins that are the grape's signature. The acidity is lively and gives impetus to a linear and very drinkable sip. 

In the best versions, especially in the Monferrato Casalese area, Grignolino wines can demonstrate surprising longevity, evolving toward balsamic, spicy, and dry floral notes, while maintaining an intrinsic elegance that distinguishes them among Piedmontese reds. Source: (https://www.quattrocalici.it )

Food pairings: Its structure shines best when served slightly chilled and paired with

·  Antipasti & Charcuterie: Prosciutto, salami, spicy cold cuts, and bruschetta.

·  Seafood: Crab and fennel pasta, Cioppino, or pan-seared salmon.

·  Light Pastas: Tortellini in broth, risotto, or cheese-stuffed ravioli.

·  White Meats: Roasted chicken, rabbit (gibelotte de lapin), or lightly spiced pork.

Production areas: Grignolino d'Asti DOC, Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC and Piemonte Grignolino DOC

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/grignolino/

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