Description

Ernste + Neue Pinot Grigio conjures the image of a pure, clean glacier in my mind. lightly floral, firm pear, and a touch of spice. The palate is dense but light with a beautiful streak of acidity.

Ernste + Neue is a collective that started in 1986, but parts of the group have been making wine since 1900. The key to their quality is to lean on their combined knowledge and embrace innovation. All of their vineyard are situated at altitudes between 200 and 1000 masl, which contributes to the quality of their wines.

Pinot Gris/Grigio

Gris and Grigio are, in fact, the same variety, and both names mean grey in French and Italian, respectively, which is somewhat deceptive because the grapes can be almost blue when ripe. The great wines of Alsace and North-Eastern Italy often feature Pinot Grigio. It grows all over the world now too. AKA Grauburgunder in Germany.

Alto Adige

The surrounding regions of North East Italy are like a playground for lovers of great white wine. The straight varietals and blends offer complex and textural wines that are not seen in many other parts of the world.

Italian Wine

There are 1000s and 1000s of grapes in Italy. There are sub-alpine cool-climate regions in the North and Sun-baked vineyards in the South. Add to that, volcanoes and many cultures within one Country. You could struggle to find anything uniform about the wines. The best of the best include Tuscan reds from Sangiovese or Cabernet. Nebbiolo from Piedmont, especially Barolo and Barbaresco. The aromatic whites of NE Italy from Garganega, Pinot Grigio, and numerous crazy blends. The volcanic wines of Mt Etna in Sicily. And many more.

The only generalisation I will make is that a lot of Italian wine is undervalued when compared to a similar French style.