2011 Palmina Santa Barbara County Pinot Grigio

About This Wine

Pinot Grigio, being a close cousin to Pinot Noir, is very particular about where it’s grown.

This somewhat finicky grape prefers a cool climate, stark soils and a long, moderate growing season. Give Pinot Grigio morning maritime fog, sunny warm days kissed by breezes, and chilly nights, and the vine will reward with grapes of intense flavor and bright acids. No wonder Santa Barbara County is considered nirvana for Pinot Grigio in California.

“Our 2011 Pinot Grigio is a snapshot of the breadth and depth of vineyards in the county,” says Palmina co-proprietor Chrystal Clifton. “The beautiful russet-colored clusters were picked at that optimal time of balance at each of four vineyards in Santa Maria Valley, Los Alamos Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Sta. Rita Hills.”

And what a cuvee it is — engagingly aromatic and brimming with sweet fruit flavor, joined by a suggestion of sesame seed. It’s the perfect partner for a pesto pizza.

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:4 Vineyards in SantaBarbara County, California
• Aromas & Flavors:Nectar, Green Pear, Quinceand a Hint of Sesame Seed
• Aging Vessels:Stainless Steel Tanks
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestionpesto pizza, or appetizers.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  Chicken Piccata One of our favorite wine recipes-- try it yourself with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio or a white blend... Get The Recipe
  

  Portuguese Style Roasted Pork Rare is the recipe that matches equally well with red wines and white wines. This is such a recipe. We came across it while doing research on the wines that will be included in an upcoming club shipment from The World of Wines -featuring the wines of Portugal. The recipe makes 6 servings. And if you'd like to learn more about The World of Wine, click on the Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos Here's an easy-to-make dish that's perfect for casual spring or summer dining. It matches nicely with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, and this recipe makes 2 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Turkey Soup With Wild Rice And Mushrooms This wintertime favorite matches beautifully with Chardonnay, Bordeaux Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio. It makes about 12 servings. Get The Recipe
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  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine Alfredo Try this recipe - a flavorful change of pace from the typical Alfredo sauce - with Pietra Santa's "Sasso Bianco," or any other medium-bodied to full-flavored white wine. It serves 6 to 8... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Thai Style Poached Halibut Try this tasty dish with Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer or Sauvignon Blanc. (Note: Any firm white fish will work, but we like halibut best.) Get The Recipe
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  Spaghettini Aglio Olio Enjoy this easy-to-prepare dish (the recipe makes 6 servings) with any wine you enjoy with garlic-flavored food. SPAGHETTINI AGLIO OLIO Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemon Dill Chicken Enjoy this flavorful recipe with Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It serves up to 4 people, depending on your appetites... Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine With Chanterelles Try this wonderful dish, which serves 4, with Pinot Gris or Chardonnay - and make it with the very same wine (see ingredient list). Get The Recipe
  

  Scallops With Caramelized Onions The sweetness of the onions makes this dish a great match for an oak-aged Chardonnay. It also pairs nicely with Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
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  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe