Grignolino

Named after the Asti dialect word for pips (grignole), the Grignolino berry holds three seeds instead of the usual two. This grape’s resulting wine actually contains a convincing amount of structure and phenolic complexity despite its transparent, strawberry hue. Until the end of the 1700’s, Grignolino was used for medicinal purposes because of its high tannin content, which acts as an antiseptic. It is native to the Monferrato hills with a growing region that overlaps with the Asti DOCG.

Perfect Food Pairings for Grignolino

Salade Niçoise, green salad with raspberries and mint, roasted salmon or turkey with cranberry sauce, pesto pasta, slightly chilled on its own on a hot afternoon

Sommelier Secret for Grignolino

Interestingly Heitz Cellar in Napa Valley has committed itself to vinifying Grignolino since 1961.