2008 St Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio

Alto Adige, Italy

St Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio is an excellent example of this varietal from the Alto Adige region in the northeast of Italy. The innovative St Michael-Eppan winery is considered one of the best in South Tyrol and indeed in all of Italy. Founded in 1907, the winery now owns 350 hectares of vineyards. Gambero Rosso awarded it "Best Italian Winery of the Year" in 2000 and has named master winemaker Hans Terzer one of the "Best Ten Master Winemakers in the World." The St Michael-Eppan wines are certainly worthy to be called wine gems, and this one just received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator and was named one of the Top 100 Wines of 2009!

St Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio is straw yellow in color with a nose of pears, apples, floral and mineral notes. It is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, good structure and rich flavors of apples, pears, peaches and citrus. The wine is well balanced to enjoy now and over the next 3-5 years. It is dry and smooth on the palate, and leaves a long, pleasing finish.

Enjoy St Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio with filet of sole, grilled chicken, fruit salads and mild cheeses.