Grignolino

Grignolino is a Piedmontese red grape that can look deceptively gentle in the glass. Its pale colour and red-fruit scent may suggest a very soft wine, yet acidity and tannin often give it a much firmer outline. It is one of the clearest examples of why body, colour and grip should be judged as separate features.

The grape is associated especially with the Asti and Monferrato areas. Its many seeds help explain why careful extraction matters: a producer who wants delicacy must avoid drawing out more bitterness and tannin than the fruit can carry. The result is usually not a miniature Barolo, but a distinct kind of light-bodied red with a purposeful structure.

Bring it to a plate of charcuterie, roast poultry, vegetables or a simple pasta dish rather than relying on pale colour to make it an aperitif. A slight chill can clarify the fruit, though excessive cold will make the grip more obvious. If you prefer very soft reds, ask about the particular bottle's tannin before buying.