The general descriptor for Pinot Grigio is a crisp, dry, refreshing white wine. And generally, when you visit a wine store, you will see many options for Pinot Grigio. Among all the variety of labels and bottles is also variety of how the wines show.
In March we launched Villa Corniole, a winery launched and run by the Pellegrini family. Based in the up-and-coming Trentino region, which was named Wine Enthusiast’s Region of the Year in 2020, the family has quickly won acclaim for its wines made from grapes grown traditionally in this area, including Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, and red varietals Lagrein and Teroldego. We are pleased to carry their Pinot Grigio in our lineup.
Back to that variety for a moment…Pinot Grigio from different locations can express itself quite differently. Known in Alsace (France) as Pinot Gris, it is typically more intense and bold, sometimes even vinified with oak. Pinot Grigio styles in the Delle Venezia region are typically lighter, but dry and refreshing. In Trentino, Pinot Grigio can be different from winemaker to winemaker, reflecting different sun exposure, elevation, and soil minerality.
The Pellegrini family’s Pinot Grigio is a more structured example, rugged like those steep slopes near the Dolomites, which can be seen from the vineyards. It has the characteristics of the citrus and apple that is to be expected, the acidity that makes the wine crisp, and floral and mineral notes reflecting the soil and terroir. This is a very serious Pinot Grigio and a delight to drink.
It goes well with the typical white wine foils, including seafood, poultry, soft cheese, and vegetables.
We’re also pleased to carry the “Ramato” version of the Pinot Grigio. Known as an “orange wine”, this example is made by leaving the grape juice in contact with the skin for hours, before draining and fermenting. The fruit is more complex, with some light strawberry making its way into the mix, and the wine also sees partial aging in oak, providing even more structure and body. While orange wine has been a recent trend (but has been around for likely millennia, as Georgian wine has long been made this way), this is a delicious version and something potentially interesting to rosé drinkers.
We will be hosting a live tasting on our Instagram profile on Wednesday, 28-April at 7 pm US ET. Hope to see you there!