Agricola San Felice
Toscana Pugnitello
Tuscany, Italy
Agricola San Felice – Pugnitello 2017
Toscana IGT, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Made from the ancient and rare indigenous grape Pugnitello, rediscovered and championed by San Felice, this wine showcases Tuscany’s dedication to preserving forgotten varieties. Its name comes from “pugno” (fist) for the tight cluster shape of the grapes. The 2017 vintage reveals the grape’s intense character in full force.
Aromas & Flavors
Deep black fruits dominate — blackberry, plum, and cassis — layered with cloves, forest mulch, and spicy wood. Subtle earthy notes and dried herbs give the wine a rustic but elegant Tuscan signature.
Mouthfeel
Bone-dry, powerful, and firmly structured. The tannins are bold yet polished, supporting a dense fruit core with savory spice and smoky undertones. The wine sits squarely in its prime drinking window, showing maturity and balance without losing its intensity.
Food Pairing
Pair with Tuscan bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or truffle risotto. Also excellent with aged pecorino or charcuterie.
The Verdict
A compelling example of Tuscany’s viticultural heritage. The Pugnitello grape delivers depth, authenticity, and a unique sense of place. 2017 shows remarkable power and elegance — a wine lover’s discovery worth seeking out.
Personal Pick Highlight
Pugnitello is one of my favorite indigenous Tuscan reds because of its history and singular profile. This 2017 was at its perfect prime time — an absolute standout in San Felice’s lineup. Cheers!
Agricola San Felice – Pugnitello 2017
Toscana IGT, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Made from the ancient and rare indigenous grape Pugnitello, rediscovered and championed by San Felice, this wine showcases Tuscany’s dedication to preserving forgotten varieties. Its name comes from “pugno” (fist) for the tight cluster shape of the grapes. The 2017 vintage reveals the grape’s intense character in full force.
Aromas & Flavors
Deep black fruits dominate — blackberry, plum, and cassis — layered with cloves, forest mulch, and spicy wood. Subtle earthy notes and dried herbs give the wine a rustic but elegant Tuscan signature.
Mouthfeel
Bone-dry, powerful, and firmly structured. The tannins are bold yet polished, supporting a dense fruit core with savory spice and smoky undertones. The wine sits squarely in its prime drinking window, showing maturity and balance without losing its intensity.
Food Pairing
Pair with Tuscan bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or truffle risotto. Also excellent with aged pecorino or charcuterie.
The Verdict
A compelling example of Tuscany’s viticultural heritage. The Pugnitello grape delivers depth, authenticity, and a unique sense of place. 2017 shows remarkable power and elegance — a wine lover’s discovery worth seeking out.
Personal Pick Highlight
Pugnitello is one of my favorite indigenous Tuscan reds because of its history and singular profile. This 2017 was at its perfect prime time — an absolute standout in San Felice’s lineup. Cheers!
Smooth, silky, light smoky aroma and strong tannins. Well balanced and stands on its own but also pairs nicely with meats and tomatoes.
Smooth, silky, light smoky aroma and strong tannins. Well balanced and stands on its own but also pairs nicely with meats and tomatoes.
May 27th, 2022
McCarthy & Schiering, $26
Dark concentrated purplish red color. Tons of oak on the nose with raisin-like dark fruit. Tastes similar, lots of oak and tobacco notes that almost gives it a bitter quality, followed by a jammy blackberry. Very smooth and soft while also having high grippy tannins, really nice balance of acidity. This is a bit too oaked for my personal tastes but still really enjoyed it nonetheless, very well-made wine and was a pleasure trying such an unusual grape varietal.
McCarthy & Schiering, $26
Dark concentrated purplish red color. Tons of oak on the nose with raisin-like dark fruit. Tastes similar, lots of oak and tobacco notes that almost gives it a bitter quality, followed by a jammy blackberry. Very smooth and soft while also having high grippy tannins, really nice balance of acidity. This is a bit too oaked for my personal tastes but still really enjoyed it nonetheless, very well-made wine and was a pleasure trying such an unusual grape varietal.
