The name Grignolino derives from the word grignole which means "many pips" in the local Piedmontese dialect of the Asti region.
[2] Producers in the Asti region try to model Grignolino on the wines of Beaujolais and those made from the Dolcetto grape in the Cuneo.
While the grapes are relatively low in alcohol at around 11–12% ABV, they do have a significant amount of tannins due to the abundance of pips, or seeds.
These different clones of Grignolino can impart different aromas and flavor characteristics ranging from green herbal, leafy notes and vegetable stock to raspberry and fruit.
One notable exception is the California producer Heitz Wine Cellars that grows a limited amount in their Napa Valley vineyard.