Pignoletto is a white grape variety native to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The region is home to Pignoletto DOC, which highlights the use of this grape variety to produce both sparkling and still white wines.
Wines made from Pignoletto grapes are typically straw-yellow in color, and possess a delicate floral bouquet with notes of white flowers, green apples, and sometimes a hint of spice or nuttiness. They have a moderate to high acidity which makes them refreshing and excellent as a palate cleanser or an aperitif.
On the palate, Pignoletto wines are light to medium-bodied, with a crisp, fresh taste that pairs well with seafood, light pastas, and poultry dishes. The sparkling versions are often compared to Prosecco, but are typically drier and less fruity.
The Pignoletto varietal is largely unexplored outside Italy, but it nonetheless has significant potential due to its versatile characteristics and food-friendliness.
