Jermann, Venezia Giulia IGT (Friuli, Italy) Pinot Grigio 2018

 Retail shelves today are awash in Pinot Grigio, but it was not always so.  Decades ago, Italian white wines in the US market were more often Soave and Verdicchio (often marketed in fish-shaped bottles).  Pinot Grigio was a specialty of producers in the Alto Adige and Friuli and it was quite characterful.  Much of today’s Grigio is simple, everyday stuff, but there are a few producers that make classic, rich Pinot Grigios and Jermann is one of the best.  The estate was founded in 1881 and now makes a fine range of white and red wines.  The 2018 Jermann Pinot Grigio offers a combination of power, 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 the style of wine that made the Pinot Grigio grape famous.  Its combination of rich fruit and creamy texture lets it pair well with fresh salmon and other full flavored seafoods.  It’s also delicious to drink on its own, when a glass of classy white wine is demanded after a long day.