2022 St. Michael Eppan Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy (750ml)   

About the Icons
Once again, we find a superb northern Italian Pinot Grigio that runs directly counter to the mass-produced examples on so many supermarket shelves. This wine has concentration, length and complexity, and demonstrates what can be achieved with Pinot Grigio when planted in the right places and treated with respect.

From the winery, in a translation that brings a smile, particularly the flavor descriptors:  Produced entirely from Pinot Grigio, a variety also called Rülander when it was introduced in the second half of the 1800s in the Gorizia area. It immediately demonstrated that it adapted to the clay marne of Collio, in particular to the descending slopes of the local hills. It is distinguished from other whites grapes in that the color tends to be copper. The grapes are grown in the vineyards of Budignacco, Pozar and Dragica, at elevations from 100 to 140 meters (325 to 475 feet) above sea level. Sappy, fresh and vinous nose, with some pear and greenage. A skillfully vinified white, with cream, fruit and stone notes woven seamlessly together, showing great charm and poise, but with enough vinosity and sinew to work well at table.