IGT delle Venezie “Pignoli” (Red) 2010

100% Pignolo, a local grape that is somewhat similar to Sangiovese. A tawny colour, with a hint of Worcestershire sauce on the nose. Notes of balsamic, cranberry, dried cherry, and tobacco. After more than a decade, the wine has evolved to develop tertiary notes of prune and leather. An intense and spicy wine with fine tannins and a long finish.

Story: In a tiny village in the far northeast corner of Italy, Saša Radikon produces arguably the finest skin-contact wines in the world. Saša is revered around the world as a pioneer and absolute master of macerated wines. Pignolo is a local grape that is much-loved by drinkers but feared by growers as it is notoriously finicky and very low-yielding. Perfect for a fearless winemaker like Saša! It’s intense and tannic but adds dimension and ageability. Saša says it is a must-try wine, and hopes to encourage more winemakers to experiment with the grape.

Vinification: Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted and then macerated of the skins for 30 days in large oak vats. The juice is bled off, then the wine is matured for 5 years in old oak barrels. Once bottled, the wines are aged for 8 additional years before being released. No added sulphur.

Match it with: Braised duck, pigeon, spiced vegetable stews.