The Connoisseur’s Pinot Grigio

Posted on Jun 1st, 2011 | 2 Comments

LENOTTI 

2009 Pinot Grigio, Venezie

$13

So the predominance of some major brands have made you a bit wary of watered-down innocuous Pinot Grigio? Fair enough. However, there are still some serious Pinot Grigios out there for those wanting a great all-purpose white that is crisp, dry, and yet rich. A well-made Pinot Grigio can be all of those things, refreshing while stopping short of the overbearing weight found in, say, an oaky California Chardonnay. The cooler climate of Venezie-Giulia gives Pinot Grigios their refreshing acidity, and this particular selection from Lenotti shows great aromatics that pop out of the glass: a touch of cream, and a hint of golden currant. This is certainly no generic mass-marketed Pinot Grigio. There is a nice, broad palate tempered with a backbone of acidity that brings the wine into focus. Even a subtle hint of green apple Jolly Rancher appears, providing a nice punch and reminding me of getting those candies as a reward in elementary school. Well, here’s a proper reward for the trials and tribulations of being an adult, and just in time for summer vacation. Salud!