Freddy R. Troya

9.4

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! — 19 days ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Pale gold in color; lemons, apples, and honeydew on the nose; medium plus acidity; apples, honeydew, saline, and a hint of almonds with a long finish. Bri, Esmi, Nellie, and I like it. — 4 months ago

with Nellie

Michael Chelus

9.1

Black cherry, raspberry, currant, vanilla, blackberry and oak. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 6 months ago

Doug Powers

8.9

Dried red cherry fruit, really fine acidity and balance, not a big blockbuster, but a lovely mid-weight Chianti, lingering finish. — a month ago

with Jim

Sven Zinfandel

9.0

2022. Nice wine, will buy another to cellar — 4 months ago

Mike Miller

9.3

Black raspberry medium body totally lovely. A second bottle is most likely.  — 6 months ago

with Anne

Michael Chelus

9.3

Black cherry, raspberry, currant, blackberry, vanilla and oak. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 2 months ago

Sven Zinfandel

9.1

Delicious will buy more — 3 months ago

Brooke

9.0

Great balance with nice tannins. Also good balance of earthy and fruit — 4 months ago

Roberto Carli

9.1

More like a young barbaresco or alto Piemonte Nebbiolo. Perfumed with a little bit of mountain character, but very firm tannins that have yet to soften.  — 6 months ago