Beyond the big names: the Italy of wine still to be discovered
Internationally – especially in China – Italian wine is often associated with famous names like Barolo, Chianti Classico, and Brunello di Montalcino. Yet these represent only part of Italy’s wine landscape. Equally rich in quality and character are the lesser-known Colli Berici, home to Le Pignole, a winery whose reds combine structure, balance, and a strong sense of place.
Colli Berici: a lesser-known, highly suitable wine region
Compared to the Langhe or Tuscany, the Colli Berici attract far less international attention, yet offer ideal conditions for red wine production. South of Vicenza, the hills cover about 40 km2, with limestone and clay soils, a mild microclimate, and strong day–night temperature shifts that allow grapes to ripen slowly and fully. Wines from this area show good color, defined aromas, and well-structured yet balanced tannins.
With viticulture dating back to Roman times, the Colli Berici today offer importers a tangible opportunity to explore high-quality Italian wines still largely unknown in the Chinese market. Founded as a family winery, Le Pignole aims to express the potential of its territory without following trends. From the start, the focus has been on stylistic coherence and reliability rather than volume or fashion.
Over time, modern winemaking techniques—controlled fermentations, careful grape selection, and measured use of oak—have been combined with an artisanal approach in vineyard and cellar.
The choice of grapes reflects this balance: international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Carmenère provide global familiarity, while Tai Rosso, the local Colli Berici grape, reinforces the sense of place. This approach makes Le Pignole especially suited for export markets such as China, where interest is growing in Italian wines that stand apart from the most established appellations.
Red Wines of Le Pignole
In China, Italian reds are often tied to famous regions, but importers are seeking alternatives with structure, balance, and ageing potential. Le Pignole meets this demand, offering wines true to their territory, with oak enhancing complexity without imitation.
•Roan – Cabernet Franc & Malbec; red fruit, violet, dried rose.
•Creorosso – 100% Tai Rosso; red berries, liquorice, black pepper.
•Torengo – 100% Tai Rosso, 10 months in oak; red fruit, spice, leather.
•Rosso del Buielo – Blend of Cabernet, Merlot & Petit Verdot; structured, refined.
•Soàstene – Carmenère; cherry, anise, spice, polished tannins.
Passito wines
•Dolcengo – Semi-sweet Tai Rosso; dried grapes, 12 months oak; ripe fruit, sweet spice.
•VI.VI.MI. – Tai Rosso, 20 months oak; dry, balanced, preserved fruit, chocolate.
Le Pignole and the Colli Berici offer a credible, high-quality Italian alternative: distinctive wines with strong identity, ideal for discovery and differentiation in emerging markets like China.
