Increase in Popularity of Pignoletto Italian Sparkling Wine

Major UK supermarket Sainsbury’s reported that a certain Italian bubbly boosted their festive sales by a futher 0.8% – and they weren’t taking about Prosecco.

Sainsbury’s Pignoletto DOC Spumante Brut was a Christmas hit as many customers chose it above Champagne and Prosecco for their celebrations. Tesco also released their own Pignoletto in their Tesco Finest range.

Pignoletto originally referred to a grape variety grown in Bologna in Emilia-Romagna (north-east Italy), not far from where Prosecco is made. The name is now being used to refer to the sparkling wine, while the grape is called Grechetto.

Like Prosecco, Pignoletto wines are made using the charmat method (second fermentation in steel tanks) which produces a lighter, fruitier taste that’s less complex and fine than Champagne.

However, this refreshing, no-fuss bubbly, which sells for as litle as £7, has seen a rise in popularity in stores. Could it be a challenger to Prosecco?

Italian sparkling wines are big players in the sparkling wine industry with the massive popularity of Prosecco, award-winning, top quality Franciacortas and now Pignoletta alongside the classic Lambrusco.

Pignoletto to try:

Tesco finest Pignoletto – £7.00

Sainsbury’s Pignoletto Doc Spumante Brut, Taste the Difference – £7.50

Sentito Pignoletto Spumante Extra Dry DOC –  £10.98

Pignoletto Frizzante IGT Emilia Romagna – £11.34