An upscale gelateria has opened its first Virginia location in Clarendon.

Paciugo (pah-CHOO-go) opened late last month and offers a variety of gelato, including milk-, soy- and water-based versions of the frozen dessert. Flavors sweetened with Splenda are available, too.

"In Italy gelato is extremely popular because of its unique and wonderful flavor. Having gelato in Italy is truly one of life's great pleasures," co-owner Kerry Bolognese said in a statement.

A family from Turin, Italy, launched Paciugo in 2000 in Dallas. It has since expanded to nearly 40 locations nationwide.

Each gelateria prepares about 30 fresh flavors each day, according to a news release.

Paciugo gelato is made without cream or butter, which keeps the fat content at about 3.5 percent — or a little higher for flavors that contain cocoa or nuts, the release states. Paciugo’s fruit-based products are fat free and its milk-based gelato contains up to 70 percent less fat than ice cream.

The eatery is located at 3033 Wilson Blvd. in Clarendon. Flavors are updated daily on its website.

It's open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

The local franchise is owned by Kerry and Christine Bolognese.

"We are committed to customer service and to the Arlington community," Kerry Bolognese said. "This area has so much going for it and we are privileged to be part of it."