Variety:Â 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
Cost: $18 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Radiant straw-yellow color with a greenish tone. Elegant flowery aroma with typical tones of ripe fruit (pear, melon) and spices. Fruity mineral flavor, full-bodied with fresh acidity. Pair with different starters, tureens and terrines, fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, white meat and poultry.
My Review: My wife and I used to drink quite a bit of Pinot Grigio – she was still finding her way into the drier wines, and we hadn’t found some of the more acidic whites and dry rose’s that make up much of our white wine drinking these days. Still, there’s a time and place for Pinot Grigio, and over the last few years I’ve had the chance to try several from the Alto Adige region where they seem to be making some very good, very affordable options.
So how does the 2017 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio stack up?
In the glass the wine was a pale yellow color. On the nose I got notes of tropical aromas and stone fruit (lemon, apple, and white flower). On the palate the wine was dry and crisp, with a slightly lingering finish and flavors of citrus notes and a hint of mineral.
My wife and I paired the wine with gumbolaya (a blend of gumbo and jambalaya in case you couldn’t figure it out). The dry, crisp notes were a good balance to the heat of the dish. In fact, I preferred the wine with food than without it.
That’s not to say that the wine wasn’t good, but I think it’s fair to say I liked, but didn’t love it. That being said, for the price, it’s a good value, and certainly one I would go back to the next time I was in the mood for a Pinot Grigio.
For those that like the grape, or are looking for a nice approachable wine for family and friend gatherings that isn’t the same Ecco Domani (you know who you are), this is a good option that won’t break the bank, but also brings more to the table.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.