Italian Pinot Grigio is More Versatile Than You Might Think

Classic and crisp, Italian Pinot Grigio is a crowd-pleasing white wine and warm weather staple. There are plenty of steely and neutral bottlings, but the versatile grape can deliver fruity, floral, mineral and even nutty tones. Here are nine Italian Pinot Grigios that don’t skimp on flavor.

Venica & Venica 2019 Ronco del Cerò Pinot Grigio (Collio); $28, 93 points. Classic varietal aromas of crushed tomato vine, exotic fruit and wild herb almost jump out of the glass. On the vibrant, savory palate, tangy acidity underscores pineapple, grapefruit and green melon, while an energizing mineral note evoking saline lingers on the finish. Grand Cru Selections. —Kerin O’Keefe

Alois Lageder 2019 Porer Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige); $26, 92 points. Racy and mineral driven, this vibrant white has compelling aromas of wet slate, Alpine wildflowers and mountain herbs. Certified organic and biodynamic, it’s dry and linear, featuring ripe yellow pear, graphite, white pepper and hazelnut alongside bright, restoring acidity. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. —K.O.

Jermann 2019 Pinot Grigio (Friuli); $30, 92 points. Aromas of Alpine herb, white spring flower and ripe orchard fruit mingle together in the glass. Tangy and rounded, the savory palate boasts intense flavor and finesse, doling out ripe yellow pear, white peach and a hint of green melon alongside fresh acidity. LUX Wines. —K.O.

Kofererhof 2019 Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige Valle Isarco); $30, 92 points. Aromas of ripe white stone fruit, sun-warmed hay and Alpine wildflowers mingle together on this savory white. On the dry, medium-bodied palate, hints of fennel seed, hazelnut and saline accent a core of yellow pear and honeydew. Fresh acidity keeps it nicely balanced. Skurnik Wines, Inc. —K.O.

Pacher Hof 2019 Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige Valle Isarco); $31, 92 points. Demonstrating Pinot Grigio’s potential for yielding wines boasting serious quality when made in the right hands, this lovely white has heady aromas of white spring wild flower, ripe pear, Alpine herb and a whiff of hazelnut. Showing flavor and finesse, the crisp, dry palate features creamy apple, white peach and a hint of lemon drop alongside a tangy saline note. Vias Imports. —K.O.

Tiefenbrunner 2019 Pinot Grigio (Vigneti delle Dolomiti); $19, 91 points. Aromas of honeysuckle, green apple and honeydew melon follow through to the juicy palate, along with a note of white peach. Tangy acidity lifts the rich flavors. LLS–Winebow. Editors’ Choice. —K.O.

Castelfeder 2019 Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige); $16, 90 points. Delicately scented, this has aromas of white stone fruit, citrus and mountain hay. The rounded, medium-bodied palate features ripe pear, candied lemon drop and hazelnut alongside tangy acidity. Bacchanal Wine Imports. —K.O.

Elena Walch 2020 Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige); $19, 90 points. Savory and bright, this lovely white has aromas of white stone fruit and whiffs of white spring flower. Reflecting the nose, the tangy palate doles out ripe yellow pear, creamy apple and a hint of nectarine before a clean, dry close. USA Wine West. —K.O.

Peter Zemmer 2020 Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige); $17, 90 points. Enticing scents of spring blossoms and summer orchard fruit waft out of the glass. On the polished, expressive palate, fresh acidity accompanies ripe yellow pear and apple before a white almond close. HB Wine Merchants. —K.O.

Published on August 6, 2021