A Fascinating Italian White Grape Varietal
Pinot Grigio is an Italian white grape variety that is used to make dry, lightweight, and crisp wines of zippy acidity. Pinot Grigio goes by several different names depending on where you are living. Specifically, it’s known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, Pinot Gris in France, Grauburgunder in Austria, and Grauer Burgunder in Germany. What’s more, Pinot Grigio is the second most popular white wine in the US. And, whereas it might not be the most complex wine in the world, it’s still loved by wine enthusiasts for its vibrancy and creaminess.
Plus, it’s super low in alcohol, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers monitoring their alcohol intake. Pinot Grigio is characterized by aromas and tastes of pears, citrus, and stone fruits, as well as scents of baking spices, honeysuckle, and almonds. On top of this, some Pinot Grigio expressions show honey, butter, and medium-to-high acidity, too. Pinot Grigio pairs well with shellfish, ceviche, and sushi.
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(4.9 / 5) One of the Most Important Old-World Countries
Home to Pinot Grigio is Italy, one of the most important wine-growing countries of the Old World. Italy has a Mediterranean climate. Yet, near the border with Germany, cool continental influences are found. Italian winemakers are known for sticking to traditional vinification practices rather than advocating modern techniques. So, what is the best Pinot Grigio from Italy? Read on!
Best Pinot Grigio Wines From Italy
Best Overall
- Name — Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Vie di Romans
- Country/Region — Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Friuli Isonzo
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Pear, Apple, Flower, Peach, Cherry
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Almond, Pineapple, Mango, Grapefruit, Smoke, Flint, Wet Pebbles
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Seafood, Fried Chicken, Risotto, Vinaigrette, Tuna, Asiago, Gouda
Tasting Notes
Pink in color (the so-called Ramato style), this Pinot Grigio has a fine nose of delicate cherries, flowers, and stone fruits. In the mouth, the wine has juicy flavors and a body of some tannins that add structure.
There are plentiful aromas of pears, apples, crushed flowers, peaches, and cherries gracing this wine’s nose. Creamy with a full-body, Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio has flavors of toasted almonds, pineapples, mangoes, and grapefruit. Smoky minerality is present, too, while a tannin touch offers structure. Persistent finish. Drink now or hold.
This Is One Of The Best Pinot Grigio Wines From Italy
Vie di Romans is a winery with an in-depth understanding of the sensory experience wines offer, which is the goal of every winemaker. This experience, Vie di Romans tries to re-create through wines produced from outstanding grapes.
Best Value
- Name — Cantina Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio (Tralcetto)
- Winery — Placido
- Country/Region — Italy, Abruzzo
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Pear, Apple, Grapefruit, Meyer Lemon, Orange Blossom
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pineapple, Mango, Passion Fruit, Flint, Brioche, Sage
- Alcohol Content — 12.6%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Trout, Halibut, Poached Salmon, Oysters, Garden Salad, Alpine-style, Feta
Tasting Notes
Bold and full-bodied, this delicious wine is great to drink solo, with friends, or with a meal. The nose has green fruits, citrus, and oaky notes. The mouth is creamy and plush with flavors of tropicals and stone fruits. Lingering finish. Definitely, one of the best Italian Pinot Grigios. The wine starts with the primary aromas of apples and pears, followed by fragrances of honeysuckle, grapefruit, and lemon zest.
Oaky sensations can be detected on the nose and add depth. In fact, cedar and cinnamon spice become very pronounced after a few vigorous swirls. In the mouth, the wine is buttery and creamy. Tastes of ripe pineapples, peaches, apricots, and marzipan dominate. In addition, flavors of Meyer lemons, smoke, and cheese combine to create an even more mouthwatering result. The moderate acidity offsets the creaminess, while the finish is lingering with hints of pepper and kiwi.
One of Italy’s Flagship Wineries
Cantina Zaccagnini is one of Abruzzo’s (located in Central Italy) leading wine producers. Their flagship wine is the San Clemente Terre di Casauria Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva, aged for 15 months in new barriques, and then a further six months in bottles. Also, their portfolio consists of still and sparkling wines, such as Cerasuolos (dark rosés) and Moscatos. White passito wines, a grappa, and a Genziana (gentian) spirit complete their offerings.
Best Cheap Under $10
- Name — Placido Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Placido
- Country/Region — Italy, Toscana
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Citrus, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Pear, Apple, Floral Notes
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Green Apple, Pear, Lemon, Grapefruit, Honey, Passion Fruit
- Alcohol Content — 12.6%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Black Ink Pasta, Veal Sweetbread, Japanese Food, Grilled Halibut, Aged Gorgonzola
Tasting Notes
Pale straw color with green highlights. The wine opens with fruity aromas of pears, citrus, and orange blossoms. Fresh palate of ripe green fruits with subtle touches of tropicals. Vibrant. As soon as the bottle is uncorked, aromas of pears, apples, grapefruit, Meyer lemons, and orange blossoms emerge. The mouth is packed with green fruit notes, tastes of pineapples, mangoes, and passion fruit. A touch of flint, brioche, and sage offers a slight complexity. Bright acidity and moderate, delicious finish.
Wines from Some of the World’s Best Grape Growing Regions
Placido crafts wines with grapes sourced from some of the world’s premier wine regions. Yet, the retail price is competitive, even if the winemaking is unparalleled. The winery focuses on producing wines from eight noble grape varieties, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Chianti, and Pinot Grigio. The grapes grow in Tuscan vineyards, while some of their vineyards in Chile’s Maipo Valley offer a fantastic climate for the cultivation of the noblest French stock.
Best Under $15
- Name — Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
- Winery — Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine
- Country/Region — Italy, Veneto, delle Venezia
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Acacia, Apple, Pear, Grapefruit
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Banana, Honey, Tart, Flint, Wet Stone, Brioche Bread, Almond
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grouper, Sea Bass, Baked Chicken, Turkey, Crudités, Parmesan, Mozzarella
Tasting Notes
The wine has a mild bouquet of pears and citrus. Crispy and flavorful on the palate with good balance. The nose is sweet with mild aromas of honeysuckle, acacia, apples, pears, and grapefruit. The palate is not as straightforward as the nose, as it has flavors of banana, pineapple, honey, and tart. An uplifting minerality of flint and wet stones is discernible, too, while the acidity is refreshing. Brioche bread and nutty notes drive into the great finish.
Exceptional Winemaking
A historic Italian wine estate that specializes in Vento wines. Founded in 1925, the winery’s premises are in northern Veneto. The winery continued growing in the mid-20th Century. During this period, it expanded its vineyards and built a bottling plant. Their portfolio is extensive and includes a wide range of wines with the prestigious DOC, DOCG, and IGT designations, including Chianti Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico.
Best Under $20
- Name — Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige
- Winery — Santa Margherita
- Country/Region — Italy, Veneto, Valdadige
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Apple, Pear, Peach, Apricot, Nectarine
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Strawberry, Cherry, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Cherry, Almond, Butter
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Lobster Roll, Poultry, Seafood, Shellfish, Mozzarella Cheese, Japanese
Tasting Notes
Balanced and refreshing, the wine begins with aromas of lime blossoms, lemon zest, and stone fruits. In the same manner, it continues on the palate. And it finishes amidst citrusy crispiness. One of the best-selling Pinot Grigios, this offering from Santa Margherita begins its aromatic journey with scents of crispy pears, apples, vibrant lime blossoms, acacias, and fragrances of white peaches.
In the mouth, the wine shows the same intensity as the nose. There, flavors of grapefruit, passion fruit, and guava join touches of honey, wet stones, and hay to create an irresistible mix. The acidity is super refreshing and mouthwatering. Long, slightly creamy aftertaste.
Wine for Wine Enthusiasts
Santa Margherita encompasses vineyards across Italy, from Tuscany to Veneto, creating authentic wines of regional character. Their wines are specially made for wine enthusiasts and are perfect to serve with a meal with friends and family. The 80-year-old wine estate is committed to the needs of the Italian people and employs trending viticultural methods, too.
Best Under $25
- Name — Venica & Venica Jesera Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Venica & Venica
- Country/Region — Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Collio
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Caramel, Pineapple, Citrus Fruits, Apricot, Rose, Flower Notes
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pineapple, Pear, Citrus, Apricot, Caramel, Peach
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mussels, Scallop, Baby Greens, Branzino, Cheesy Pasta
Tasting Notes
Coppery in color (the natural color obtained from grape skins during short maceration), the wine has an intriguing bouquet with aromas of jasmine, ginger, and green fruits. The savory mouth is refreshing and creamy. The finish is vibrant and super long.
The wine has inviting scents of wildflowers, acacia, and jasmine blended with notes of ginger, vanilla, and pears. In addition, hints of pepper and rennet apple exist, too, on the nose, as well as mineral nuances. The mouth is savory and bright and reminiscent of the bouquet. Juicy and pronounced, the palate shows creaminess, too, and the right amount of acidity to keep things fresh. Long finish.
Venica & Venica
From 1930 to today, Venica & Venica has been producing exceptional wines through a synergistic relationship between Collio and the true passion for the land, the vineyards, and their grapes. Venica & Venica is a family winery with over 40 hectares of vineyards, crafting wines highly representative of the expressive, outgoing Italian spirit.
Best Under $30
- Name — Elena Walch Vigna ‘Castel Ringberg’ Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Elena Walch
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Südtirol – Alto Adige
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Jasmine, Vanilla Spice
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Passion Fruit, Basil, Almond, Crushed Stone, Chalk, Limestone
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Mexican Food, Shellfish, Red Snapper In Soy Sauce, Tilapia, Chicken Alfredo, Mozzarella, Brie
Tasting Notes
Straw yellow. This Pinot Grigio begins with a complex array of fruits, from ripe pears to lime blossoms. Structured on the palate, the creamy fullness is intense and shows character. Great aftertaste. The nose is packed with aromas of apples, pears, lime blossoms, acacia, and hints of honey. The mouth is energetic and lively, yet full and creamy. The sweet honey is present here, too, and blends with touches of flint, grapefruit, lemons, and basil. Crushed limestone and chalk lead to a salty finish. Moderate acidity. A top wine choice!
The Elite of Wine Production
One of Alto Adige’s leading wine estates, Elena Watch is highly regarded. The winery encourages quality and innovation, while the head of the estate, Elena Watch, has gained international esteem for her vinification expertise.
Best Under $40
- Name — Vigne del Malina Ram Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Vigne del Malina
- Country/Region — Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Apple, Pear, Apricot, Orange, Strawberry, Tomato Leaf, Guava
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Peach, Apricot, Pineapple, Flint, Tea, Grapefruit, Lime
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Halibut, Pork Tenderloin, Scallops, Prosciutto, Gruyère
Tasting Notes
Waxy but not cloudy, this Pinot Grigio has a touch of tannins and an attractive apricot-influenced nose. The taste gives notes of jammy green fruits, peaches, and tea. A fine wine experience. The wine starts with nuances of apples, pears, apricots, and oranges. These are framed by aromas of strawberries, tomato leaf, and guavas. As it flows into the mouth, creaminess emerges, and tastes of peaches, juicy apples, pears, and flint. In addition, a touch of tea is present, too, offering a tannin structure. Nice, rounded finish. Moderate acidity.
Simple But Superbly Expressive Wines
Vigne Del Malina wines are known for the simplicity and expressiveness of each individual grape variety they are made of. The winery is sustainable and has turned its vineyards into environmentally friendly wine production. Lastly, the specific vineyard in Vigne Del Malina is situated on alluvial soils with a fine microclimate, a great temperature range, and fresh air from the Alpine foothills. The result: Exceptional wines, expressive of the terroir.
Best Under $50
- Name — St. Michael-Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Grigio
- Winery — St. Michael-Eppan
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Südtirol
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Apple, Honey, Citrus, Gooseberry, Vanilla, Oak
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pear, Peach, Apple, Caramel Watermelon
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Pasta Vongole, Black Ink Pasta, Mushroom Pasta, Anything Seafood
Tasting Notes
The wine has a deep straw yellow color and fruity fragrances of green fruits. Smoky nuances, refreshing acidity, creamy texture, and dynamic character. In all seriousness, I love this Pinot Grigio’s nose. It’s packed with elements of apples, pears, and vanilla spice, as well as toasty sensations of cedar. The texture is rounded and creamy and shows flavors of guava, passion fruit, and toasted bread. A sensation of smoke and cedar is noticeable, as well. The acidity is moderate and offsets the creaminess. Long, nutmeg-influenced finish.
A Synergistic Approach to Winemaking
Founded in 1907 when 340 winemaking families joined forces to become the backbone of the winery, St. Michael-Eppan has an untamable passion for wine. Located in South Tyrol’s largest wine-growing community, Eppan, the entire region is known for its soils and varied microclimates. This helps St. Michael-Eppan’s winemakers to produce wines of different qualities and flavors, with distinct identities.
Best Under $100
- Name — Foradori Fuoripista Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Foradori
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Vigneti delle Dolomiti
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Strawberry, Peach, Apple, Pear, Dried Herb, Soil
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pineapple, Watermelon, Orange, Apple, Caramel, Cherry Cola, Pepper, Honey
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Trout, Seafood Tostada Bites, White Pizza, Pork Chops, Prosciutto, Lobster Tail
Tasting Notes
Fuoripista Pinot Grigio has spent more than 8 months on the skins inside amphorae (Tinajas) fermentation barrels to let a delicate but creamy character develop. One of the top-rated Pinot Grigio wines from Italy. Produced by the biodynamic winemaker, Campo Rotaliano, this Pinot Grigio is highly expressive of the Trentino region.
The wine begins with aromas of grapefruit, strawberries, peaches, and pears, and nuances of dried herbs and soil. Balanced and creamy, the wine shows tastes of pineapple, watermelon, oranges, apples, and caramel. What’s more, flavors of cherry cola, pepper, and honey dominate, too. The acidity is perfect for refreshing the taste buds, while the finish is long and gratifying.
A Famed Wine Estate
As one of Italy’s best wineries, the famed wine estate was established in 1901. Yet, it became known as Foradori in 1939, when Vittorio Foradori acquired it. Since then, it has produced exceptional wines from the Teroldego grape variety, always according to nature’s rhythms and cycles. In fact, Foradori is an advocate of biodynamic and sustainable viticulture and matures its wines in amphorae instead of steel fermentation tanks or wooden barrels.
Conclusion
Crisp and refreshing, Pinot Grigio is an exceptional wine that satisfies even the most demanding wine fans. Whether you take it on a picnic or revere it as your daily wine choice, Pinot Grigio doesn’t disappoint. For mouthwatering results, pick any of the above best-selling Pinot Grigio wines from Italy. Just a sip is enough to have you coming back for more.
