Grignolino d’Asti

Wines

Piemonte is home to a number of grape varieties Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo. Among these is also Grignolino, a local favorite in the region of Asti (about 25 miles northeast of Barolo). It is said that the origin of the funny sounding name of this grape varietal, “Grignolino”, comes from the word “grignole”, that in the local dialect identifies the seeds inside the grape of which Grignolino has many. Another theory comes from the verb “grignare” which in the Asti dialect means “to laugh”.

The first mentions of Grignolino date back to the 16th century. The records show that as early as the 14th century the wine was used mainly to make chiaretti, a rose’ wine. Once, the Grignolino growing area was much wider but disease destroyed most of the more delicate Grignolino vines.

Appellation: Grignolino d’Asti DOC

Type: Red, dry

Varietal: 100% Grignolino d’Asti

Wine Details:

Tasting Notes:

Color: Light ruby red.

Bouquet: The scent is delicate, floral. Bright fruit and hint of cinnamon on the nose.

Taste: The flavor is fresh and subtle on the palate with fresh fruit and a hint of rose petals.

Alcohol: 12.5-13% (varies depending on vintage).

Serving Suggestion: Serve at a 12-15°C (54-59°F) in a tall, fairly wide goblet.

Pairing: Antipasti, soups, quiches, fish and white meat dishes.

Vinyard Notes:

Vineyard location: Montaldo Scarampi, Asti.

Altitude: 185 m (600 ft.) a.s.l.

Exposure: West.

Soil: Light and sandy.

Training system: Guyot.

Winemaking Notes:

Harvest: Mid-September.

Vinification: Fermentation in steel at controlled temperature for about 8 days.

Aging: Refinement in steel continues for a few months before bottling in spring.