Pignolo
The Resurrection Grape
Pignolo is grown in Rosazzo, Colli Orientali and Friuli.
- Tastes of
- blackberry, black cherry, tar and licorice
- Goes with
- braised beef, aged hard cheeses and game meats
The story
Pignolo was nearly extinct by 1970—maybe 1 hectare survived. Girolamo Dorigo led the revival. Today, it's Friuli's answer to Barolo: massive tannins, decades of aging potential, and cult status among Italian wine collectors.
Insider story
Pignolo needs 10+ years to show its best.
The tannins are Nebbiolo-level—patience required.
Rosazzo is the spiritual home.
Technical deep dive
Full-bodied, tannic red.
Needs 10-20 years cellaring.
Tar, licorice, dark fruit profile.
Industry secrets
Pignolo is Italy's most undervalued age-worthy red.
Prices are rising as collectors discover it.
For collectors
Investment grade B+
- Auction records
- Aged bottles fetch €100-200
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Le Due Terre
- Moschioni
- Dorigo
- Specogna
- Value picks
- Young Pignolo ($40-60)—age yourself
- Price trend
- Rising 15%+ annually. Discovery phase.
- Collector’s tip
- Buy young, age 15+ years. Rivals aged Barolo.