‘Anarchic maverick’ are the words that Luigi Veronelli, one of the most important and authoritative chroniclers of Italian wine, used to describe Grignolino’s unpredictable character.
A provoking statement, yet one that captures in a few words the very soul of this Piedmontese grape variety: a wine that defies easy definition and surprises those who try it.
For Grignolino is a wine of contrasts, a wine that has never followed trends.
And given that we are talking about a grape variety that is heavily influenced by the place where it grows, the winemaker’s interpretation, the harvest year, the soil and the decisions made in the cellar, the result is a wine that is, by its very nature, somewhat unpredictable – almost ‘anarchic’ – with a rare freedom of expression.
An ancient history in the hills of Piedmont
Grignolino is one of Piedmont’s historic grape varieties, with a presence documented for centuries, particularly in the Monferrato and Asti regions.
Its name probably derives from the Piedmontese term ‘grignòle’, which refers to grape seeds; these are particularly abundant in this variety and contribute to the wine’s distinctive tannic character – one of the elements that makes it instantly recognisable.
Grignolino and that ‘typical Piedmontese character’
Originating in the hills of Monferrato, Grignolino is one of Piedmont’s most distinctive grape varieties: an ancient variety that has experienced periods of great popularity and more difficult times, only to return to the limelight today thanks to the growing interest in authentic, terroir-driven and less standardised wines.
Grignolino is, in fact, a wine that doesn’t aim for immediate impact, but rather for the ability to intrigue and tell a different story.
We’ve always imagined it as having a certain character. Not the sort that tries to please everyone, but rather one that opens up a whole new world if you just stop to listen and appreciate its hidden complexity. Very Piedmontese, don’t you think?
A red wine with a surprising personality
The first thing that surprises you about Grignolino is its appearance. In the glass, it often appears as a brilliant ruby red with complex aromas, freshness and a structure that pairs very well with food.
On the nose, it reveals floral and fruity notes; on the palate, it is dry, fresh, elegant, slightly tannic and bitter, with a lingering aftertaste that is sometimes pleasantly almondy.
One of the best reds for the summer: perfect served chilled from the fridge, like a white wine, at 6–8°C, to pair with grilled meat, savoury tarts and salads.
Piemonte DOCG Grignolino Le Nocche: our winery’s interpretation
Grignolino is a very demanding grape variety, not easy to cultivate, requiring the right soil composition and exposure, and one that is also challenging to vinify. The end result, however, is a truly exquisite wine.
For this reason, for us, promoting Grignolino means preserving an important part of Monferrato’s history. The hills of this area, characterised by soils rich in marl, clay and limestone, offer ideal conditions for bringing out the freshness and elegance of the grape variety.
The result is our Piemonte Grignolino Le Nocche, a highly drinkable red wine, capable of expressing lightness without sacrificing character.