This is definitely an above-average Pinot Grigio, and very much appropriately-priced. The nose is floral and refreshing, and there's nice depth on the palate with rounded green apple and pear fruit flavors. That depth and weight is always what distinguishes classy wines from cheap ones. This wine is fermented in stainless steel and matured on the yeast lees to add a bit of body. Well made and recommended, it's perfect for a bit of calamari or caccio e pepe. (88 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
If you feel like shaking up your Chardonnay routine, try this juicy, round white from Pisoni Family winery. A blend of 86% Pinot Gris and 14% Pinot Blanc it's loaded with sweet pink lady apple flavors and hints of apricot, peach, and pineapple with zesty acidity framing all of that sunny fruit. This is seriously hard to put down. A portion of sales support breast cancer research, firefighters, and ocean conservancy. (91 Points)
This lovely white, a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, from Pisoni Family Vineyards in Monterey County is quite the summery patio pounder! The pineapple, lemon and jasmine flavors are light on the palate, but a little bit of time in neutral oak rounds the wine out just the right amount. It's addictively refreshing, great with ceviche, and a good example of some of the exciting, creative white wines coming out of Monterey County. (91 Points)
White wines from the Pomino Bianco Denominazione di Origine Controllata, or D.O.C. are primarily made from Pinot Grigio and/or Chardonnay, and I'm pretty sure this offering from the venerable Frescobaldi family is a blend of the two. The nose is interesting and distinctive with jasmine, beeswax, red apple and citrus notes. It is medium-full bodied with pretty apple, peach, and tangerine notes and it doesn't seem oaky at all. It would be perfect with grilled shrimp or lobster. (89 Points)
Puklavec & Friends 2013 Sauvignon Blanc / Pinot Grigio Slovenia ($8) I've been hearing about Slovenian wine from fellow wine writers for years, but I never had the opportunity to try any myself until recently. It is right over the border from Italy's Collio region, so it shouldn't come as any surprise that Slovenia is capable of making some impressive wine. I recently was sent a couple of bottles from Puklavec & Friends, most notably a delicious blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Pinot Grigio that captured my attention. It weighs in at a delicate 11.5% alcohol and has some of the grass and grapefruit hallmarks of Sauvignon Blanc, but also has an easy-going quince-like fruitiness from the Pinot Grigio. It would be great with shellfish or ceviche, and from what I'm seeing online, it looks like it sells for under ten bucks a bottle, which makes it a remarkable steal worth buying by the case. (90 Points)
