Thanks to the persistence of Dario Chiarini we have been taking a good look at Pinot Grigio again. This Italian white wine has suffered from a bad rap as a result of its extreme popularity and the second rate producers who have filled the huge demand for this wine in the US.
Luckily there are great producers like Attems who are passionately committed to making wonderful Pinot Grigio the way it has been made for centuries in Italy. This one is from the Coilio DOC region of Northern Italy was utterly delicious with a dinner at home of a splendid mushroom, spinach and chicken risotto and some wonderful sauteed broccoli rape.
The Collio DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata) is in the beautiful Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy along the border of Slovenia. Collio "literally means 'hill' - is all about hillside vineyards." Reflections on Wines
Attems has been making superior wines in this region for generations. The current wine maker, Gianni Napolitano, is deeply committed to Attems goal to "produce great wines that are the fullest expressions of the territory, wines that are at the same time incomparably distinctive, innovative, and responsive to global demands."
Their Pinot Grigio has rich full body with a lush weight and viscosity. It has a beautiful coppery straw yellow color and an abundant bouquet of tropical fruit, along with apple and pear. The flavors savory and bright with an enticing minerality that we love.
The wine paired very well with the rich garlicky flavors of our risotto and broccoli rape.
Wine Spectator awarded the 2007 Attems Collio Pinot Grigioas a Spectator Selection, Top-Value Italian White, Smart Buy, Savvy Shopper Italian White and 90 pts, the 2007 Attems Collio Sauvignon received 88 pts (August 31, 2008)
