Elena Walch, Alto Adige (Italy) Pinot Bianco 2019

 This is a terrific rendition of Pinot Bianco sourced from a vineyard site perched above 1,800 feet of elevation.  I tasted this 2019 side-by-side with the 2018 vintage, and both were equally good, so don’t hesitate to purchase the slightly older wine if you see it on offer.  The 2019 is a bit richer than the norm for the wines in this category that are available in the USA, but there’s nothing “heavy” or ponderous about it — just generous fruit that is deftly interlaced with energizing acidity.  Fruit notes recalling baked golden apples with a squeeze of citrus acidity.