Underdog Grape · Italy

Pignolo

Pignolo is a dense, deeply tannic red from northeast Italy that came within a few vines of extinction. If you love a structured, ageworthy Cabernet, this is the underdog worth chasing.

Tasting profile
Blackberry and plum wrapped in balsamic earth, carried by tannins that grip now and reward you in ten years.
Where it grows
Friuli, Italy
Where to buy
For specific bottles and where to buy them, read the deep dive.

Keep exploring

The region

Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy

Related underdogs

Read the deep divePignolo: The Friulian Red That Nearly Died Out

FREE DOWNLOAD

Get the Underdog Starter List

10 lesser-known bottles under $25 worth chasing — plus the weekly underdog read. No snobbery, just good wine.

Or peek at the list first →