2010 San Felice Pugnitello Toscana IGT, Tuscany

Pugnitello is an ancient Tuscan grape varietal that takes its name from the shape of the grape clusters, which resemble a small fist (or Pugnitello in Italian). It was rediscovered and studied in partnership with the universities of Florence and Pisa, in the experimental of San Felice (Vitiarium). This is the tangible result of 20 years of research and experimentation aimed at saving and using native Tuscan grape varieties that were heading for extinction. This single-variety version stands out for its soft and fleshy originality.

94 pts - Antonio Galloni

Grilled herbs, black stone fruits, scorched earth, tobacco and game are some of the notes that take shape in the 2010 Pugnitello. The searing tannins need more time to soften, but there is plenty of complexity in the glass still waiting to emerge. Sage, rosemary, dried rose petals and dark red cherries add nuance on the long, textured finish.