2010 Villa Chiara Delle Venezie, Italy Pinot Grigio

About This Wine

Not all wines from Italy are red.

It just seems that way. And it makes sense, considering so many Italian dishes are topped with some sort of rich tomato- or meat-based sauce. But there also are plenty of dishes that match beautifully with white wine, and in Italy, the go-to white is Pinot Grigio.

Villa Chiara’s Pinot Grigio hails from Italy’s Delle Venezie, and while it’s typical in terms of its aromas and flavors, it’s superior to many in body and mouthfeel. In a word, it’s a “bigger” Pinot Grigio than you’d typically encounter, and that means it can perform double-duty as an aperitif — no food necessary.

But considering the food-pairing possibilities, it would be a shame to take a pass on such culinary pleasure. Our tasting panel members recommended everything from cheese (an Italian type, of course) and crackers to white fish in a lemon butter sauce. It’s a wine that will expand your Italian dining horizons.

About Pinot Grigio

In northeast Italy it makes a light, crisp and neutral wine. In Alsace it can be a delicately perfumed, honey-flavored wine, either dry or sweet, and with more color than most whites.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Pinot Grigio
• Grape Source:Delle Venezie, Italy
• Aromas & Flavors:Fresh Flowers, Almond, Melon, Pear and Citrus
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestionchicken, fish, salads or hard cheeses.

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