It all started some weeks ago when I posted an article titled "Gruner Veltliner Exciting - Pinot Grigio Boring." I seem to have struck a nerve because a few days later I got an e-mail from a NY Wine PR person asking me to "Give PG Another Go." Apparently PG has gotten a bad rap, that they are trying to change.
I never meant to say Pinot Grigio was bad, even though there is a lot of poor Pinot Grigio out on the market.
I was just trying to say hey let's try something new. That's what this blog is about, getting you to try something new. Even if it is a new Pinot Grigio.
In a few days I will be posting a big article on nine or ten Pinot Grigios, it will include the good, the great and the horrid. In the meantime I could not to wait to post this article on a simple dinner with one of my favorite winemakers, Kellerei Cantina Terlano, and their delicious Pinot Grigio that I made tonight.
Let's see what have we got here. Jersey tomatoes, the real thing from a farm stand down in Freehold, fresh basil from the garden, good Mozzarella from Vacchiano Farms, sour dough bread, a fast and easy but delicious panini it will be.
The wine, a favorite Pinot Grigo, in the fridge from Friday night's dinner from Jackies. Pinot Grigio goes with many foods, I do like it with almost all Mediterranean and Northern Italian dishes. But it has got to be a good Pinot Grigio. Finding them can be tricky. The secret is in learning about the terroir. Read on.
Kellerei Cantina (Winery Cellar) Terlano is one of my favorite wine makers. They are represented and imported by my friends at Banville & Jones. I love their Pinot Bianco Vorberg. Their Pinot Grio is also excellent.
Winemaker Rudi Kofler works with "mild, Mediterranean type microclimatic conditions impart unique characteristics to the wines. Located in Alto Adige’s Dolomite Mountains, in the foothills of the Alps, Terlano’s distinctive location is extraordinary terroir" Terlano
That is really what makes the difference in Pinot Grigio, the terroir. It is no different with any other grape. The prominent Chardonnay grape becomes the nectar of the gods in Burgundy and is little better than swill when planted in Ocean County.
It is not just the land. Terlano is "Situated in a sheltered hollow, Terlano benefits from an ideal south facing exposure. There, vineyard slopes ranging from 820–3,000 feet above sea level which provide perfect conditions to cultivate their many indigenous grapes. Vineyards composed of red porphyric rocks with high mineral content accumulate and retain the day’s warmth, while the porous soil allows the water to drain, keeping the soil dry around the roots of the vines. To insure the highest standards of quality." You can not accomplish wine of this quality in other conditions. To ensure quality "Terlano compensates their growers for the quality of their grapes, not the quantity." An idea that American agri-industry should adopt.
The wine "is light straw in color with pleasant aromas of ripe melon and freshly picked MacIntosh apples. Crisp and light on the palate with lovely pineapple, Bartlett pear and apple flavors that harmoniously intermingle with orange zest and almond notes. The finish lingers with spicy tropical fruit." Winery
This is what I love in a wine, deep multi-faceted fruit, with a tropical elenment. Balance and harmony is key. You want a wine that stays with you and accents and compliments your food. Terlan does just that.
Watch for our next post on Pinot Grigio.
Posted: July 31, 2011
Oh here is one of the products of today's work:
