In norther Italy, just south of Austria, lies a wine-growing region called Alto Adige — which I consider one of the best regions in the world for pinot grigio and pinot bianco (but that’s not the extent of the good wines to come from this region). It’s also one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s interesting how beautiful places so often are also great locations to produce wine.
Alto Adige is a mountainous region at the southern Alps with that cool climate coming from one direction and a Mediterranean climate coming in from the south. Vineyards and orchards thrive throughout the region, with alpine style buildings interspersed here and there. Small rivers and bodies of water also add to the picturesque beauty here.
The conditions here (along with centuries of perfected technique) result in some spectacular wine. The vibrant acidity and beautifully-floral aromas on many of the wines here are some of what make these wines great.
This particular pinot grigio comes from Peter Zemmer, based in Cortina.
This is one of the most beautiful pinot grigio wines I have ever smelled. Soft floral, cool honeydew melon, lychee, lime and wet stone aromas give this wine an elegant and luxurious nose. It’s wonderful! The palate is also quite gratifying. It offers light and crisp lemon, pear, subtle peach and grapefruit flavors. There’s a slight saltiness on the mid-palate. The mouthfeel is nice and the acidity is spot on. It’s really well balanced and is just a fabulous wine.
Wine: Peter Zemmer, Pinot Grigio
Varieties: Pinot grigio
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 92
Average price: $16.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
Find Peter Zemmer, Pinot Grigio with Snooth
