It is a traditional vine of the Maremma: it was in fact found in 1981 in the province of Grosseto and, in particular, in the area of ​​Poggi del Sasso, near Cinigiano, but the cultivated areas in the province of Grosseto reach just 16 hectares, located only in some municipalities including Magliano, Civitella Paganico, Scansano, Orbetello, Gavorrano and Massa Marittima.

The name of this vine is most likely due to the shape of the cluster, which is small and, in fact, recalls the shape of the hand closed in a fist.

There is no information about its origin or its history, and it does not help that its name has not been found in any contemporary or past ampelographic work. Pugnitello has some ampelographic characteristics common to Montepulciano, while a hypothetical synonymy with the Sicilian grape Pignatello has been excluded, thanks to DNA analysis.

It is a vine with an average ripening period and good vigor, which does not have particular needs.

The wines are of a very intense red color, with violet hues, with an intense aroma, where the hints of ripe cherries and other red fruits are evident and marked, overall with good structure and soft tannins, while in the mouth they are round due to the quality of its tannins, but only after prolonged aging.

Pugnitello wines go well with savory first courses of the Tuscan tradition, such as tagliatelle with wild boar sauce or pici, red meats, roast beef and mature cheeses.