RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

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Pugnitello is an ancient and rare red-grape variety native to Tuscany in the north of Italy. Pugnitello means "little fist" in Italian and refers to the vine's small, tight bunches of berries, which resemble a fist. The hardy grape was forgotten for many years but is now enjoying a mini-revival thanks to an initiative by the University of Florence and a handful of local growers.

In an attempt to preserve the native grapes of Tuscany, the university, in conjunction with San Felice winery, grafted, planted and then monitored around 200 varieties in the experimental "Vitiarium" vineyard at San Felice to test their suitability for winemaking. Those found to be suitable were then vinified separately.

In the case of Pugnitello, initial observations showed that it produced thick-skinned grapes in small bunches and was naturally low yielding. It was soon acknowledged as a standout thanks to the intensely colored wines it produces, with plump tannins and good acid.

Following these experiments and Pugnitello's accession to the National Registry of Vine Varities in 2002 and approval by the Tuscan Regional Commission the following year, a small number of producers in Tuscany planted the grape and are now producing mostly single-varietal wines under the IGT Toscana classification. These are deep purply red in color and show a complex mix of sweet and savory aromas such as cherry and blackberry, with tanned leather and earth. Pugnitello wines tend to be on the fuller side.

The colour is characterised by very intense concentration, with purplish tones and shades. In the vineyard it shows a small and pyramid-shaped cluster and a decidedly thick skin. In the glass on the other hand it’s appreciated for an original combination of delicately herbaceous hints and small black fruits, a fine tannic finesse and above all good acidity even in hot climates. Considering the increasingly torrid harvests, the Pugnitello could enjoy renewed splendour. And the few cases of vinification in purity are decidedly comforting in this sense. (https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/wine-news/five-native-grape-varieties-we-are-ready-to-bet-on/?utm_term=28569+-+Five+native+grape+varieties+we+are+ready+to+bet+on&utm_campaign=NL+WEEKLY+ENG&utm_medium=email&utm_source=MagNews&utm_content=4140+-+2124+%282021-05-07%29)

(Source: https://www.wine-searcher.com/...)

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