The Castello di Buttrio Pignolo is a bold, age-worthy red wine poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made by the Castello di Buttrio estate in Friuli, it showcases Pignolo, one of Italy’s most structured and rare indigenous grapes. We pour it for guests seeking something distinctive and serious, a powerful red that rewards big, meaty dishes.

About the Winery

Castello di Buttrio sits in the Friuli Colli Orientali in northeastern Italy. The estate was established in the 1990s when Marco Felluga acquired the property, and it is now led by his daughter Alessandra, part of a long family lineage of Friulian winemakers. Alongside whites, the estate is known for its work with native red grapes, including a serious, cellar-worthy Pignolo.

Region & Grape

This is Pignolo from the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, a dark-skinned, late-ripening native variety prized for its intense color and powerful tannins. It is the most full-bodied of the Friulian reds and one of Italy’s most age-worthy grapes. The vintage we pour is 2014. Pignolo is rare and labor-intensive, which makes a bottle like this a true specialty.

Tasting Notes

Expect a deeply colored, bold wine with aromas of black currant, dark chocolate, and leather. The palate is dry and tightly structured, with pronounced, gripping tannins balanced by high acidity and dark, brooding fruit. It is intense and savory, the kind of red that opens and evolves over the course of a meal.

What to Pair It With

Its power and grip call for hearty, meaty plates. Pair it with our American Wagyu Steaks, Sicilian Meatballs, or Spicy Sausage Rigatoni. Explore more on our full dine-in menu.

How It’s Served at Grappa

Castello di Buttrio Pignolo is offered by the bottle at Grappa for $144.

FAQ

What is Pignolo?

Pignolo is a rare, dark-skinned native red grape from Friuli in northeastern Italy. It produces deeply colored, intensely tannic, age-worthy wines and is among Italy’s most structured reds.

What does Castello di Buttrio Pignolo taste like?

It is bold and dry, with black currant, dark chocolate, and leather, pronounced gripping tannins, high acidity, and dark, savory fruit. It is intense and built to evolve in the glass.

Is Castello di Buttrio Pignolo a good wine for steak?

Yes. Its firm tannins and dark fruit make it an excellent match for steak and other meaty, robust dishes.

Ready to enjoy a bottle with dinner? Book a table, browse our full wine list, and explore the dine-in menu.