Pinot Grigio is a popular and widely available wine choice, most notably grown in Northeastern Italy, mainly in the regions of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige.
This Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio hails from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy’s northernmost wine region, which borders Austria, surrounded by the Alps. Its higher elevation and cool climates tend to produce lower alcohol wines (you can find out more about that here), so this region is of special interest to us. The wine is from the Valdadige zone, which produces some of the lowest alcohol wines in the area.
The first thing you will notice about this Pinot Grigio is its pale straw color, with a slight copper tone. When you take a sniff, you’ll be met with a slight yeasty earthiness, blended with citrus and apple blossom. Upon tasting, you’ll find a tingly medley of candied Meyer lemon, apricot, and quince, with a honey ale finish. It is the perfect Spring luncheon wine, easily paired with white meats, creamy cheeses, and salads.
As Pinot Grigio is exported in vast amounts, there can be varying degrees of quality. Santa Margherita was chosen because it is good value for money and can be found internationally, in many restaurants, as well as in grocery stores, and in online wine shops, such as Totalwine.com at around $17-20. It typically runs about 12.5% alcohol. It is interesting to note, that although there is a lovely, honeyed finish (which could indicate residual sugar), upon testing, glucose did not spike and ketones remained constant.
Fun Fact: Pinot Grigio is known as Pinot Gris in Alsace, France, and Oregon, where they are often found to be higher in alcohol and residual sugar.
