/pʊɲitˈɛllo/
- N/A
Red
Pugnitello has only recently emerged on the Italian wine scene, yet it has already garnered significant attention.
The variety’s name draws from its tightly packed clusters, evoking the image of a closed fist (“pugno” means fist in Italian).
Its presence was virtually unknown until 1981 when it was stumbled upon at Poggio di Sassi, near the Tuscan coastal town of Grosseto.
Producers are intrigued by Pugnitello due to its diminutive berries, resilient skins, and loosely spaced clusters.
- Costa Toscana IGT
- Montecastelli IGT
Winemakers are drawn to Pugnitello for its reminiscent attributes of Montepulciano—vibrant color and luscious fruitiness—while offering the advantage of being less prone to reduction. This characteristic streamlines cellar management, allowing for wines that are not only fruitier but also more fragrant and aromatic.
A good Pugnitello wine has very rich and thick red-cherry aromas and flavours, complicated by plum jam, burnt almond, leather, and earthy notes.
Visual Flavour Profiles:
