Download Notes
Previously we had covered the fruit forward and textural Pinot Gris. This time we explore the other face of this varietal, the dry and zesty Pinot Grigio. Not only that, but we are going back into the Old World style of Italy, in direct contrast to the New World New Zealand wine reviewed before.
The Stats
Appearance
- Clarity: Clear
- Intensity: Pale
- Colour: Lemon-green
Nose
- Condition: Clean
- Intensity: Medium-
- Development: Youthful
Palate
- Sweetness: Dry
- Acidity: Medium+
Tannin: N/A- Alcohol: Medium
- Body: Medium
- Flavor Intensity: Medium
- Finish: Medium
Conclusions
- Quality: Good
- Readiness/Cellaring: Drink now, not intended for ageing
- Identity: Italy / Dolomiti / Pinot Grigio
- Price: High-priced (~$20-25)
Notes
- Long, thin tears
- Aromas of green apple, lanolin, unripe peach, cut vine
- Flavours of green apple, fresh apricot, nectar, lemon pith, white pepper (?)
- Palate-cleansing acidity
- Some texture clinging to the palate
- Waxy/oily?
- Would go well with a fresh vegetable salad
Same genetics, different expressions
Elaboration
Some quick research of the Dolomiti region, Romanised as the Dolomites, reveals high altitudes and snow cover. From this I expected a more acid-driven wine, but was pleasantly surprised at how much fruit was coming forward both on the nose and the palate. The profile is consistent with a cooler region as green apple and barely-ripe peach are perceived first, as opposed to the riper characters one may expect from a wine produced in warmer conditions.
I had the chance to try this wine both immediately and after a three-hour rest. Curiously I perceived a higher level of sweetness relative to when the bottle was freshly opened. It couldn’t have been due to temperature changes as I had simply placed the bottle back into the fridge after the first tasting.
I wondered if the wine had already begun to oxidise, which wouldn’t be surprising given Pinot Grigio’s reputation as a drink-now wine. However, it was not unpleasant, and with the right food the wine felt balanced and fresh once again.
While I don’t want you see me as some all-knowing authority, I would encourage you to study my notes for this wine and for the Pinot Gris side by side as a comparison. This will give you a better idea as to how the same varietal can have such different expressions due to their environment and handling.
Read more: Rational Wine Review #2 – Kim Crawford Marlborough Pinot Gris 2012
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