Bright, crisp, dry, and filled with sunshine, few wines are more refreshing than a chilled glass of pinot grigio. The grape variety’s origin is French, where it is known as pinot gris. However, the Italians adjusted the name, changing gris to grigio (both meaning grey due to the grape’s pinkish-grey skin color), making it their own. Today, pinot grigio is the second most popular type of white wine in the United States, ranking just behind chardonnay. The category makes up some of the most popular value white wines worldwide, as you can easily find well-priced options from producers around the world crafting their version of the dry yet fruit-forward wine.
The modern-day story of Pighin Winery began only 20 years ago. However, the growth of quality wine grapes from the winery’s Friuli Grave and Collio vineyards began 40 years prior in 1963 when three brothers, Luigi, Ercole, and Fernando Pighin, purchased 500 acres of land in Friuli Grave, followed by another 75 acres in Collio. The area is known for producing premium quality white wines and where grapes have been grown since Roman times. Pighin Friuli Pinot Grigio is zesty, green, and fresh with green apple, pineapple, and white flower notes. With bright acidity and a succulent, mouthwatering palate, the $16 wine begs for a pairing of similar fresh flavors, like a bowl of roasted vegetable pasta primavera brimming with fresh asparagus, squash, mushrooms, and tomatoes or a light and fluffy cheese soufflé with a spring greens salad.
Excerpt Taken From: Tasting Table
Author: Hayley Hamilton Cogill
