What Kind of Wine Is Folonari Pinot Grigio?
Folonari Pinot Grigio is a dry white wine from Veneto, Italy. Aromas of green fruit define the nose, while the palate is smooth, full of tropical fruit flavors. The acidity is zesty and invigorates, while the finish is lingering with hints of honey and grass. On that note, keep in mind that Folonari Pinot Grigio comes from a traditional Italian family, cultivating vines for two centuries, since the late 1700s. That is so intriguing and sets the expectations for the wine’s quality high.
The Pinot Grigio grape variety is native to Burgundy, where it is called Pinot Gris. But, it is not restricted within France. On the contrary, it is grown everywhere, especially in Italy, where it gives large quantities and quality wines. In Italy, it is commonly cultivated in the northern regions of Veneto, Umbria, Friuli, Trentino, and Alto Adige. Pinot Grigio produced in these regions shows a much greater depth of flavor than wine made elsewhere.
Folonari Pinot Grigio Review
- Winery — Folonari Wines
- Country/Region — Italy, Veneto, Delle Venezie
- Type — Northern Italy Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Rose Petal, Apple, Pear, Lemon, Lime, Banana
- Grapes — Pinot Gris/Grigio
- Taste — Pineapple, Kiwi, Strawberry, Plum, Grass, Wet Straw, Honey, Flint, Almond, Dried Dill
- Alcohol Content — 11.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Caprese Salad, Seafood, Pesto Pasta, Creamy Sauces
Folonari Pinot Grigio may seem that it lacks in flavor concentration, but that is part of the way it is. It is a crisp wine with balanced green fruit, citrus, and exotic aromas and tastes. It manages to be pleasing and attractive, clean and fresh. Everything is part of its charm. And I like that. In fact, if I feel I need a refreshing white to accompany a light meal during a family occasion, I am going to choose Folonari Pinot Grigio. So, should you.
Tasting Notes
Folonari Pinot Grigio wine has a very fresh tasting profile. Floral fragrances combine with green fruit aromas on the nose, while pineapple and strawberry flavors dance on the palate. On top of that, the vibrant acidity is gratifying, driving to a finish filled with notes of almond, grass, and herbs. Touches of minerality also uplift wine enthusiasts, contributing to a steely character. Folonari Pinot Grigio, therefore, is delightful, compelling.
Appearance
Folonari Pinot Grigio has a hue representative of its lightness and brightness. The wine opens with a pale lemon-straw color. Furthermore, the core is ultraclean without the slightest indication of density or fogginess. Next, near the rim, a medium lemon tone appears, which is beautiful. The tears of the wine are short but watery and manage to complement the wine’s appearance with their appeal.
Aroma
Folonari Pinot Grigio is intensely aromatic with a distinctive bouquet. Just as the bottle is uncorked, delightful scents of honeysuckle and rose petals rise. A while later, the second way of aromas unearths, where green fruits, such as apple and pear, join lemon and lime. And a hint of banana adds a tropical note. That is so welcoming. The banana fragrance is fantastic, preparing wine enthusiasts for the exotic tones of the palate.
Taste
Folonari Pinot Grigio exhibits a wealth of flavors in the mouth. At first, pineapple and kiwi confer a tropical touch. Then, notes of strawberry and plum appear and blend with a hint of wet straw. A bit later, as the wine gets warmer, a minerality presents itself in the form of flint. In addition, a zippy acidity is present and invigorates. Folonari Pinot Grigio, consequently, is super savory with decent complexity.
Finish
Folonari Pinot Grigio concludes the tasting profile triumphantly. Flavors of roasted almonds, grass, and dried dill, combine to create a mouthwatering aftertaste. In fact, the touches of grass and dried dill are very intense, contributing to the wine’s vivid personality. I was pleasantly surprised by Folonari Pinot Grigio’s finish. I did not expect such a good ending that also maintains a certain creaminess. Delightful!
Rating
Folonari Pinot Grigio is cool, crisp, and vibrant. It is perfect for nearly every occasion, whether pairing it with lighthearted meals or drinking it alone while catching up with your favorite Hulu show. It is also so easy-drinking and versatile. Consequently, Folonari Pinot Grigio is superb for days on the beach or barbecues throughout the summer. Do a favor to yourself and try it. You will not regret it.
Folonari Pinot Grigio Food Pairing
Folonari Pinot Grigio makes a divine match with fresh salads and seafood. A homemade Italian salad with lettuce, basil leaves, dried oregano, and balsamic and honey vinegar can go a long way with Folonari Pinot Grigio. Likewise, a Caprese salad with mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes is a solid food pairing option too.
An assortment of shrimp balls and deep-fried calamari with spicy gremolata topping are also terrific companions to the wine. On top of that, juicy pesto pasta with lemon zest garnish and creamy spaghetti carbonara showcase the wine’s bright fruit character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Folonari Pinot Grigio?
Folonari Pinot Grigio is made by Folonari Wines, founded in 1825 in Veneto, Northeastern Italy, by Italo and Francesco Folonari. The Folonari is one of the oldest winemaking families on the planet. They have an active history in wine-crafting since the end of the 1700s. In 1882 Italo and Francesco Folonari transferred the headquarters of their wine business, which, at that time, was called Fratelli Folonari, to Brescia.
In 1911 they purchased Ruffino, a long-standing Tuscan wine company known for distributing Chianti Classico bottled in straw-wrapped bottles known as fiaschi. From the start of Folonari Wines, the founders aimed to create outstanding wines that are great to drink on a day-to-day basis. Almost two centuries, Folonari is enjoyable around the world. Their wines are celebrated for having an easy-drinking and fruit-forward character.
How Is Folonari Pinot Grigio Made?
Folonari Pinot Grigio, as a classic Pinot Grigio, is based on primary, pure fruit flavors. For this reason, careful handling in the winery is required to avoid oxidation and acidification. Consequently, the grapes are harvested by hand to ensure they remain whole, retaining their delicate aromas and flavors. Afterward, the grapes are destemmed, crushed, and pressed to release their juice. This juice is fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. Several additional weeks of aging also are required to develop the Pinot Grigio characteristic flavor. When this is over, the wine is filtered from sediments and bottled.
Where Is Folonari Pinot Grigio Made?
Folonari Pinot Grigio is made in delle Venezie, Veneto. Delle Venezie is popular. It is a renowned winemaking region for producing and exporting large quantities of refreshing, crisp white wines. These are made almost entirely from the Pinot Grigio grape. Delle Venezie lies in Northeastern Italy the ‘Venezie,’ representing the ‘Tre Venezie,’ meaning the Three Venices. That is a reference to the three modern regions of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, and the notable Trentino Alto Adige that were part of the Venetian Empire during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
As mentioned above, the dominant varietal there is Pinot Grigio. However, red and white wines are also produced from Garganega, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Verduzzo. Veneto has a moderate climate with short, dry summers and low rainfall during the growing season. Most of the vineyards experience a diurnal range due to their altitudes, making them ideal for the production of crisp and aromatic whites, such as Pinot Grigio.
Consequently, Trentino and Delle Venezie are ideal habitat for grape varieties as it brings out the best of their organic characteristics. Italy exhibits a large number of indigenous varietals and creates a vast range of wine styles. It is a winemaking region that makes wine for over a thousand years. And it advocates that the vineyard location is more important than science and the winemaker’s role in the production of wines.
How to Serve Folonari Pinot Grigio?
Since Folonari Pinot Grigio is elegant and delicate, it has to be served in regular medium-sized white wine glasses or tulip glasses. The large surface of the glass gives the wine essential aeration. As the air comes into contact with the wine surface, the aromatic and flavor intensity of the wine rises. Also, Pinot Grigios require chilling at fifty to fifty-four degrees Fahrenheit (ten to thirteen degrees Celsius).
Furthermore, Folonari Pinot Grigio has to stay cool during service. To do that, use an ice bucket or wine cooler. The bucket should be filled three-quarters full with equal quantities of ice and water so that iced water surrounds the bottle. The water is then able to transfer the heat from the bottle to melt the ice. Air acts as an insulator, and the bottle chills. Be careful, though, as over-chilling overshadows flavors in wines.
How Much Does Folonari Pinot Grigio Cost?
Folonari Pinot Grigio is not expensive. It has an average retail price. Folonari Pinot Grigio price ranges from $13 to $17 per 750ml, depending on the vintage and the vendor. Therefore, wine fans can obtain Folonari Pinot Grigio at a very approachable price. So, without having to pay a premium, they get a super refreshing Pinot Grigio. They should not miss it.
How Long Does Folonari Pinot Grigio Last?
Do not put Folonari Pinot Grigio away for long-term storage. It cannot benefit from bottle aging. It is too fruit-forward and refreshing to withstand maturation. Think of it like this: The wine’s bright fruit character declines as long as it stays in the pantry. That happens because the structural elements required to withstand aging, like grippy tannins or high alcohol and sugar levels, are missing from Folonari Pinot Grigio. Hence, consume the wine within six months from the date of bottling.
How Many Calories Does Folonari Pinot Grigio Have?
Folonari Pinot Grigio is a very suitable dietary choice. There are about 22 calories in 1 fluid ounce of the beverage, equating to a total of 125 calories per serving. The calorie breakdown is 0 grams of fats, 10 grams of sodium, 4 grams of total carbohydrate, 0 grams of protein, and 1 gram of total sugars. Consequently, consumers would not have to worry or feel guilty when consuming this bottling, as Folonari Pinot Grigio calories are low. That said, wine fans on a low-sodium diet need to be careful as this bottling has high sodium levels. Folonari Pinot Grigio alcohol content sits at 11,5% per 750ml bottle. That is the usual alcohol concentration for an Italian Pinot Grigio, representative of its freshness.
Conclusion
Folonari Pinot Grigio may seem that it lacks in flavor concentration, but that is part of the way it is. It is a crisp wine with balanced green fruit, citrus, and exotic aromas and tastes. It manages to be pleasing and attractive, clean and fresh. Everything is part of its charm. And I like that. In fact, if I feel I need a refreshing white to accompany a light meal during a family occasion, I am going to choose Folonari Pinot Grigio. So, should you.
