Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
Cost: $38 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: In addition to a balanced color, this wine possesses a very rich bouquet, giving the clear impression of a wine of conspicuous harmony. This is a wine that after many years of cellaring becomes even more
enjoyable. Color: straw yellow to golden yellow; Bouquet: inspiring fruity, a powerful bouquet of ripe fruits, a wide array of aromas (pear, tropical fruits, and fine wood flavor); Flavor: powerful, balanced, and savory, an interesting play of acidity in the mouth, very harmoniously juicy and rich with pleasant fullness; Recommended pairings: appetizers, fish and vegetable-based main courses, and white meats.
My Review: Last year I had a chance to try a few wines from Peter Zemmer, and in both cases I found them to be solid wines that were overall good values. Nothing to blow your socks off, but solid wines nonetheless.
The 2016 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva GIATL, however, did blow my socks off, which really surprised me.
In the glass the wine was a golden straw color, and on the nose I picked up aromas of apple and pineapple most prominently. In the mouth the wine was round, but refreshing, with flavors of citrus, pear, and peach and just the right amount of acid.
I’ll admit that I don’t know that I’d have said this was a Pinot Grigio in a blind tasting, but it’s certainly something I’d happily drink again. My wife and I paired the wine with salmon that we cooked on the grill using cedar planks along with some asparagus and risotto, and it was a fantastic pairing.
While the wine was a good pairing with this meal, I think pairing it with herb crusted chicken or pork would also be a good match, and one I’d certainly be interested in trying again.
At sub-$50, this is a great value for the wine, as it’s clearly punching above its weight. I really enjoyed this wine, and definitely recommend it.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
