Jermann, Venezia Giulia IGT (Friuli, Italy) Pinot Grigio 2022

 Retail shelves today are awash in Pinot Grigio from many places, but it was not always so.  Decades ago, Italian white wines in the US market were more often Soave, Frascati and Verdicchio. Pinot Grigio was a specialty of producers in the Alto Adige and Friuli and it was full of character.  Much of today’s Grigio is simple, everyday stuff, but Jermann is among the relatively few producers that make rich and characterful Pinot Grigios in the classic style.  The estate was founded in 1881 and now makes a fine range of white and red wines.  The 2022 Jermann Pinot Grigio offers a combination of depth and elegance that is rare among current bottlings.  It shows varietal purity with aromas of peach, pear and citrus fruits backed by floral and spice hints plus a deliciously creamy texture.  This is exemplary of the style that made the Pinot Grigio grape a sought-after variety.  Its combination of rich fruit and creamy texture lets it pair well with fresh salmon and other full flavored seafoods.