Pignoletto: all you must know about the wine of Bologna

Have you heard about Pignoletto? It's Bologna’s signature wine, still or sparkling, similar to Prosecco but different.

In this guide you will learn all its secrets, the best wineries and where to buy Pignoletto in Bologna, Modena and online.

Are you ready to fizzle?

Pignoletto: the grape of Bologna unveiled

Pignoletto is a white wine from the Bologna area.
Its name likely comes from the pine cone shape of its grape bunches.

The bunch is tight with little water and lots of tannins, so it would not be suitable for becoming sparkling.

This is not a sweet wine.
It is known for its slightly bitter finish, which makes it unique.

The grape used to produce Pignoletto is the Grechetto Gentile.

Pignoletto is a simple, home-made wine that was once carried by the "brentatori" from the hills to the city.

You can find both still and sparkling versions of Pignoletto, made with the Martinotti method, as well as passito or macerated.

While it is made from Modena to Faenza, its true home is the hills around Bologna, where you can also find a small village called Pignoletto, which takes its name from the wine (not the opposite!).

Pignoletto vs Prosecco: what’s the difference?

Pignoletto and Prosecco are both Italian sparkling wines. The grape used is different, grechetto gentile for Pignoletto and glera for Prosecco.

On the palate, Pignoletto is slightly drier than Prosecco, offering straightforward notes of almond and citrus.

The prices of Prosecco and Pignoletto are comparable.

They are both great wines to pair with salumi like mortadella or culatello and at aperitivo time.

The best Pignoletto wineries to visit

Here are some of the top Pignoletto wineries in the Bologna hills.
Many offer visits and tastings, but if you’re short on time or don’t have a rental car, our Bologna wine tasting is a great way to save time and money!

• Gaggioli: Carlo Gaggioli has been a veterinarian all his life. In 1970 he took over an old vineyard and now produces pignoletto with the help of his daughter Letizia. The company now also offers a restaurant and agritourism.
• Lodi Corazza: Cesare is a rock star who has turned to agriculture. He studied contemporary history but spent his life in the vineyard. They use the tank method to get smooth bubbles
• Orsi San Vito: Vigneto San Vito, in Bologna’s hills, has been making wine for 50 years. Since 2005, they’ve focused on biodynamic methods to create wines true to their terroir. They also grow organic veggies for local restaurants, promoting seasonal, zero-waste cooking.
• Fattorie Vallona: since 1978, Fattorie Vallona has crafted artisanal wines with passion and respect for tradition. They blend innovation with heritage, like grafting old vines, to create top-quality wines. Quality is their philosophy.
  
• Gradizzolo: another producer on the hills of Savigno, not far from Amerigo restaurant. At Gradizzolo everyone’s involved: Antonio and Gianluca manage the vineyard, while Marisa and Chiara focus on the Agriturismo

Where to buy Pignoletto wine in Bologna and beyond

It's really easy to find Pignoletto in supermarkets, small shops, enoteche.
Here are the places I recommend in Bologna and beyond.

Buy Pignoletto in Bologna

You can find Pignoletto bottles in almost all the food stores and best wine bars of Bologna.

Bivio and Scovami are two tiny enoteche specializing in natural wines, including pignoletto. A few tables to sit and taste and then you're ready to choose your bottle.

Enoteca Italiana is a landmark of the Bologna wine scene where you can find a wide selection of producers.

Another option is Eataly, in the heart of Quadrilatero food market. Here you can get good deals and discounts now and then.

Buy Pignoletto in Modena

Even if Modena is more famous for Lambrusco, you have your chances to get good pignoletto inside the stunning Mercato Albinelli food market.

Follow our lead during our Modena food tour, meet the producers, and fill your bag.

Another option is to visit Ristretto restaurant, one of my favorites in Modena. The wine list is excellent and you can get pignoletto too.

Buy Pignoletto Online

The last option if you travel light is to buy Pignoletto online. Many options here as well.

You find a good selection of natural and organic wines at Decanto.

Tannico is another good option.

My suggestion though is to choose a producer and buy directly from their website.

How to pair Pignoletto

Pignoletto pairs perfectly with all the cured meat of Bologna: try it with mortadella, salame rosa and prosciutto.

It's also a great wine for aperitivo. Try the sparkling wine with a bite of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Pignoletto is a refreshing wine, perfect for summer. Why not use it instead of prosecco for a special Bolognese spritz?

Ready to taste the best pignoletto?

Now that you know almost all about pignoletto, it's time to taste it!

Follow the lead of our local wine expert Lorenzo to get the best from your glass.

[photo credits: Fattoria Vallona]