Pignolo is a Friulian variety that produces wines of dark and brooding intensity, and one that requires real patience in the vineyard. Low-yielding and unpredictable, Stanko first experimentally planted this in ‘98, just below their cellar on the steep hillside. This bottling comes from just half a hectare of mature Pignolo vines, and, after extended barrel and bottle aging (minimum 5 and 6 years, respectively), it’s revealed a defined structure, full of woodsy, toasty spice with an herbal twinge, plum, roasted walnuts, ripe red cherry, coffee, and clove. Soft-textured with a mix of wild berry fruits, a bitter twang of sour citrus, and a line of acid running down the spine. Grippy tannins tug at the palate on the long, concentrated finish. A rare gem.