Grignolino
The Pale Tannic Puzzle
Grignolino is grown in Asti, Monferrato and Piedmont.
- Tastes of
- strawberry, white pepper, almonds and rose hip
- Goes with
- vitello tonnato, light salumi and vegetable dishes
The story
Grignolino confuses everyone—it's pale like Pinot Noir but tannic like Nebbiolo. The grape was once Piedmont's everyday wine, now it's a specialty. The name comes from 'grignole' (seeds)—this grape has unusually many.
Insider story
Grignolino's pale color and grippy tannins polarize drinkers.
It's Piedmont's answer to Gamay, but stranger.
Perfect summer red served slightly chilled.
Technical deep dive
Pale-colored red with high tannins.
Bitter almond finish characteristic.
Best drunk young and cool.
Industry secrets
Grignolino is having a moment with natural wine fans.
The unusual profile appeals to adventure seekers.
For collectors
Investment grade C-
- Auction records
- No auction market
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Braida
- Accornero
- Tenuta Olim Bauda
- Value picks
- Grignolino d'Asti DOC ($12-20)
- Price trend
- Stable. Value wine.
- Collector’s tip
- Not for collecting. Perfect for summer drinking.