Northern Italy White Wines Tasting

Pinot Grigio from Italy needs no introduction. On the other hand, Alto Adige DOC, the region where the grapes came from, is helpful to be familiar with.
Most of us have had cheap, characterless, and forgettable Pinot Grigio from Italy. How do you spot a bottle like this? It's gonna be around $10 and has no region or "delle Venezie" (Veneto) below "Pinot Grigio" on the label.

Veneto indicates that grapes (often underripe) come from the various growers of this large wine region. Hence, the drink-and-forget quality of this wine with a grassy and lemony profile.

2018 Terlan is an example of what true Italian Pinot Grigio tastes like. It comes from Alto Adige DOC, the northmost wine appellation of Italy. Here grapes are planted on the southern slopes to increase sun exposer and ensure full ripeness. The day-night temperature swings help the grapes to retain its secret ingredient - acidity. As a result, we get to enjoy wines of depth and balance and unmistakenly Italian Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris in France).

So what can you expect from the true Italian Pinot Grigio in a glass?
2018 Terlan Pinot Grigio had aromas of wildflowers, orange blossom, and apple pie. On the palate, it feels way more substantial than generic Pinot Grigio. On the palate, it comes through with the flavors of yellow apple, Bosch pear, lemonade, and orange touch.

Our wine club members rediscovered Pinot Grigio after tasting this wine.
So next time your shopping for white wine, try this experiment. Buy a $7-12 bottle of Pinot Grigio and one $15-22 from that from Alto Adige or Collio DOCs and taste them side by side.

Beware, you might unintentionally roll eyes at your friends next time they bring generic Pinot Grigio as a gift.

Did you know that before Pinot Grigio, there was Soave?
Until the early 90s, Soave was the most popular and exported white wine from Italy, and you could find it in most American stores. To meet the demand, Soave producers increased production at the expense of quality.

In the late 80s, some producers of Pinot Grigio in smaller appellations raised the bar on quality and started an aggressive marketing campaign.
Taking advantage of the situation, Pinot Grigio took over Soave. Now it is the most famous Italian white after Prosecco.

Let us introduce you to Soave again.
The white wines of Soave DOC (appellation) must be at least 70% Garganega grapes with Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay as blending partners. Garganega is an old variety and considered a more exciting grape than Pinot Grigio.

2018 Pieropan Soave Classico is made from 85% Garganega and 15% Trebbiano di Soave. Classico means that the grape comes from the historical and original part of the appellation, and producers must adhere to strict regulations and produce the best expressions of Soave wines.

Pieropan greets you with classic white flower and almondy aromas complemented by pear, thyme, and sourdough. On the palate, pear, and apple complemented by lemon and apricot with a hint of fresh-cut pineapple.

2018 Pieropan Soave Classico is a well-balanced wine with refreshing acidity, complex and exciting profile. It would make an excellent introduction wine if you never had Soave or good bottle to get reacquainted with these wines.

White flaky fish like Black Seabass, Branzino, or Black Seabass are perfect with it. It also pairs with salads and vegetarian dishes.

Beware, you might unintentionally roll eyes at your friends next time they bring generic Pinot Grigio as a gift.

Collio DOC is known for some of the outstanding Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc wines. This region also boasts a unique set of indigenous and lesser-known varietals, including Friulano.

Lately, it's been resurging in popularity and made as a single varietal wine as well as a blending partner.
Friulano wines are fuller-bodied, less acidic than crisp whites of this region, and often have almond, herbal, and grassy aroma.

Schiopetto founded in 1965 and is one of the oldest estates in Collio DOC.
2017 Schiopetto Friulano really stood out in this trio with its unique profile.

At first, the pronounced grassy green passion fruit and almost sweaty aromas overwhelmed all others, and it reminded us of lean Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. But, as it opened up, pear, apple, orange blossom, and lemon came out. On the palate, it's full and rich with moderate acidity and complex flavors of lemony apricot and appley pear with a pleasant almond aftertaste.

2017 Schiopetto Friulanocertainly stood out in this flight by its masculine nature and unique profile. This wine is for you if you want something unique and off the beaten path. As you pour it, don't judge from the first sniff. You need to take your time to get to know it and let it open up to you.

We would suggest starting with Soave, continue with Friulano and finish with Pinot Grigio if you'd like to compare these three wines.

These three wines offer a unique opportunity to learn. They all different, and we encourage you to experiment by drinking them in a different order.

You might have a few A-ha moments. Like, I didn't know Pinot Grigio tastes so great. Actually, I might roll my eyes if a friend brings cheap Pinot Grigio, and I know how to spot one. Or, OMG, so this is what fuller-bodied wine means! Now I know why I should've started with Soave! And possibly, I'm not sure I like this wine, and fifteen minutes later, I'm in love with this beauty.

In any case, we hope you had an A-ha moment reading this article. Keep wine swinging with us and lets A-ha together!