SPONSORED: A Close-up of Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
I’ll keep it a buck – Pinot Grigio hasn’t always been my go-to white wine.
Until recently (like last summer), I largely avoided Pinot Grigio because I believed that they all tasted like watered-down Welch’s White Grape Juice. It was the white wine that I’d buy to make a quick white sangria or white wine spritzer when I wasn’t in the mood to drink anything too heavy.
That was…until I was introduced to Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC. Yes, I know it’s a long name, but stick with me here, okay?
Wines made in Italy (both red and white) can take on very specific designations based on where the grapes are grown, and Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC is no exception. But before we jump into the specifics of what makes this wine so special, let’s get a quick refresher on this very particular grape.
PHOTO: WINE FOLLY
Italian Pinot Grigio 101
For starters, this grape variety goes by two names–Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio–and that is largely based on where the grapes are grown. The grape itself is a mutant of everyone’s favorite red wine grape Pinot Noir, and because the grape skins have tannin in them, they have the ability to produce rose wines too. But something to note about Pinot Grigio: it’s a very delicate grape, and it has to be grown in a climate that isn’t too hot Pinot Grigio is typically dry, medium-bodied, and takes on a flavor profile of white peach, lemon zest, melon and sometimes gravel. It’s got really great acidity and is an approachable wine that can pair well with many different types of cuisines.
It’s an ideal wine for spring and summer, but you can certainly drink Pinot Grigio any month of the year.
The Prestige of Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC, specifically, is made in a Northeastern Italy territory that covers 70,000 acres and includes three regions: Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino. Triveneto is the official home of Pinot Grigio, because of the perfect climate conditions for growing the very temperamental grape.
The ‘DOC’ in this wine’s name is important because it acknowledges that it is given an official stamp of approval (or specification) by the Delle Venezie DOC Consortium, which was created in 2017. Many wine regions around the world have governing bodies that work to designate wines made in specific regions, and this is to let consumers know that the bottle they are consuming is the cream of the crop: it has been approved and protected with high-quality standards through the certification process. So whenever you see the label? Just know you are drinking VERY GOOD Pinot Grigio, okay!?
And because of its high quality, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC will take on a rounder mouth feel – complete with tropical and citrus fruits like pineapple, grilled peach, nectarine, lemon, cantaloupe and grapefruit along with crushed gravel.
Perfect Pairings for Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
Toting the tagline, “the Seal of Wonderful Experiences”, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC is a wine that is food friendly, easy to drink, and can be shared among wine lovers at any stage of their journey.
When you are looking to pair Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC, you want to make sure your fare is light with savory elements. While Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC can certainly be enjoyed by itself, we’re still in the thick of summer, so that means lots of grilled foods are up for grabs! Grilled chicken, grilled flaky fish, and veggies would be ideal for this flavorful Italian white wine. Fresh seafood like oysters, ceviche, and salmon also make for a beautiful pairing with this wine. If you’re not in the mood for cooking a feast, no problem! Create a cheese board with Gouda, Gruyère, goat cheese, and feta, along with crudites and hummus for a snack that’s perfect for watching the sunset.
