Pinot Grigio is not a grape that generally evokes images of world class wine for most people, more often thought of as an inexpensive, easy drinking white. That is unfortunate, because it can be exceptional. I’ll agree that ‘World Class’ quality can be the exception here, but it should still be appreciated when it happens. For this review, we have a wine that takes Pinot Grigio to the heights, and then some.
We have reviewed other wines from Peter Zemmer in the past, and they have all been outstanding. Quality is a core value at this producer, who makes whites and reds in the village of Cortina, located in Alto Adige, Italy. They’ve been making great wine since 1928, when the original Peter Zemmer, great uncle of the current proprietor of the same name, established the winery. The wine we talk about here is one of their premium bottlings.
Wine: 2016 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva GIATL
Winery Location: Alto Adige, Italy
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: April 2019
Tasting Notes: The color is a light, but almost luminescent, golden yellow. On the nose you get waves of lemon, peach and lychee fruit. There is also a touch of honeysuckle. It has good body, and the palate brings the bright fruit promised by the nose. There is brisk acid and the wine stays fresh. It really is a significant wine, and certainly not your average, everyday Pinot Grigio. Add in a long finish, and this really shows what a great Pinto Grigio can be. Try it yourself to find out why.
Price Point – $38
Would We Buy It? – yes, once we had tried it. $38 is pretty steep for Pinot Grigio, but this is absolutely a world class white wine, and worth every penny.
You probably don’t think of Pinot Grigio as being exceptional. This wine will show you it can, and does, happen.
A votre santé!
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