From Veneto, we’ll head over to one of the top producers for Pinot Grigio in the world, Trentino Alto-Adige.

Trentino Alto-Adige

Trentino Alto-Adige is one of those wine regions that is more than its location on a map.  Originally held by Austria, it was ceded to Italy after World War I.  Proving that borders on maps are irrelevant to culture, the region is still very much more Austrian than Italian.  As a result, seeing wine bottles in both German and Italian in this region is not uncommon.

Trentino Alto-Adige makes both red and white, but the stars here are the whites.  While you can find good Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay here, some of which is sparkling, the true highlight is Pinot Grigio.  In Alto-Adige, it somehow finds its sweet spot and goes from milquetoast happy hour quaffer to a stunningly charming and engaging bright white.

St. Michael Eppan Pinot Grigio

Alto-Adige isn’t overly expensive, but it’s also not the most readily available for under $10.  That said, you can find examples like St. Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio for in the $12-16 range.

Sight:  On the paler end of straw

Smell:  Bright nectarines, apricots, and bright pops of preserved lemons come together.  A hint of floral note pops through with a touch of orange zest.  A zesty white pepper and minerality come through.

Sip:  The body is bright with a hint of sweetness to it.  Minerally flavors underly beautiful pops of melon and peach wrapped in bright hits of lemon and orange.  A subtle pith underpins things, and a bit of floral comes in to join it.  The texture is round, smooth, and velvety.

Savor:  The ending has a great mix of under apricot and underripe nectarines.  The finish is short and pops with lemon. It leaves a slight lanolin like character.

St. Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio is what Pinot Grigio should be.  Full of life and fruit, it drops bombs of flavor with a suave texture.    The well-constructed acidity makes the entire experience feel lively and gives the flavor a true kinetic nature.  St. Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio is a must try for any lover of bright, light, whites or someone who wants to expand their palate from California Pinot Grigio.

Verdict: Nectarine, Peach, Apricot, Lemon
Rating: 92
Price: $13
Alto Adige, Italy

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