Pinot Grigio: Tasting and Pairing

Pinot Grigio is that wine variety that seems pretty straightforward.  Its light body, medium acidity, low alcohol, and overall a good value. But not all Pinot Grigio is the same.  Italy’s northeast wine growing regions of Veneto, Trentino, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, collectively known as “Triveneto,” produces some of the best expression of Pinot Grigio.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a webinar hosted by Susannah Gold, DipWSET, IWS, FWS of Vigneto Communications, featuring Pinot Grigio from Albino Armani and the different terroir interpretations from Triveneto.

Fast Facts about Pinot Grigio & Triveneto

Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for the French variety Pinot Gris (Grigio and Gris mean gray). It is the white mutation of the Pinot Noir grape.

Pinot Grigio flavor profile is dry, light to medium body, medium to high acidity with common flavor notes of green apple, pear, lemon, lime, stone fruit, almonds, minerals, and floral notes.

Italy accounts for 37% of all global Pinot Grigio production, and 85% of Italy’s Pinot Grigio production comes from the “Triveneto” region.

The climate of the Triveneto wine-growing area is cool and airy, with significant temperature ranges.

The Triveneto wine growing region was elevated to DOC status from IGT in 2017. The region is now known as the Delle Venezia DOC. The elevation to DOC comes with stricter quality controls, including mandatory yield reductions and a tasting panel to ensure quality.

Albino Armani

The Albino Armani story began in 1607 when Domenico Armani was bestowed land with trees and vineyards from his father.    This historic property in Dolcè in the Adige Valley is now part of the greater Albino Armani estate of 750 acres of vineyards stretching across Veneto, Trentino, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia – Italy’s epicenter of Pinot Grigio.

Albino Armani is the 16th generation and current owner of the estate. Since 2016, Albino has been the president of the “Consorzio del Pinot Grigio DOC delle Venezie.” He has a passion and commitment for growing Pinot Grigio in the Triveneto region that reflects the diverse and extraordinary terroirs.

All of the Albino Armani vineyards have been certified SQNPI – National Quality System for Integrated Production since 2019. This national certification’s goals are to help agricultural ecosystems monitor and reduce environmental impact, reducing the use of synthetic chemicals, and rationalizing all agronomic practices such as fertilization and irrigation.

My Tasting & Food Pairing Notes

Disclosure: The wines were provided to me as media samples. All opinions are my own.

2020 Albino Armani Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie DOC
12.5% abv | SRP $11.99 (sample) | 100% Pinot Grigio

Production Area: Triveneto: Veneto, Trentino, Friuli
Soils: Various soils with vineyards located in higher altitudes and cooler climate
Vinification: Long fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aging in contact with its own yeasts until bottling.

Pale straw in color. Aromas of citrus, pear, and jasmine. On the palate, dry with medium(-) body and medium(+) acidity.  Flavor notes of lime, pear, and minerals. A refreshing wine with balanced acidity.

Suggested Pairings: The perfect aperitif wine, also a friendly companion to lighter fish and chicken dishes, prosciutto and melon, and sushi.

2020 Albino Armani Pinot Grigio, Friuli Grave DOC
12.5% abv | SRP $12.99 (sample) | 100% Pinot Grigio

Production Area: Grave Friulana
Soils: Mainly loose and well-aired soils of calcareous white river stones transported down from the flooding of alpine brooks.
Vinification: Fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks in contact with its own yeast until bottling. Went through malolactic fermentation to lower acidity.

Pale straw in color with a green hue. Aromas of chamomile, minerals, and white pepper. On the palate, dry with medium body and medium acidity. Flavor notes of lemon, pears, chalky minerals, and saline brininess. An elegant wine with a slightly bitter almond finish.

Suggested Pairings: Risotto, shellfish, vegetable pasta, roasted chicken, and vegetable/cheese tortellini with butter and fresh herbs.

2020 Albino Armani Pinot Grigio, Corvara Valdadige DOC
12.5% abv | SRP $14.99 (sample) | 100% Pinot Grigio

Production Area: The southern part of Valdadige in the Veneto region.
Soils: Morainic soils along the valley sides and alluvial toward the Adige river.
Vinification: Long fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aging in contact with its own yeast until bottling.

Pale straw in color with a slight ash grey tint. Aromas of sage, pear, and lime. On the palate, dry with medium body and medium acidity. Flavors of lime, pear, apricot, peach, and minerals. The wine is refreshing with alluring and complex flavors.

Suggested Pairings: Mediterranean-style dishes of pasta, fish tacos, chicken, and pork dishes with aromatic herbs.

2019 Albino Armani Pinot Grigio, Colle Ara, Valdadige Terradeiforti DOC
12.5% abv | SRP $21.99 (sample) | 100% Pinot Grigio

Production Area: The southern part of Valdadige in the Veneto region.
Soils: Mainly calcareous with rich glacier debris.
Vinification: Soft pressing and cold maceration with skin contact for one night. (This is the ancient method of producing Pinot Grigio called “Ramato.”) Aging in contact with its own yeasts in stainless steel tanks and partially in wood until bottling.

Pale golden pink in color. Aromas of peaches, apricot, pineapple, lemon, and dried flowers. On the palate, dry with medium body and medium acidity. Flavor notes of peach, apricot, pink grapefruit, and minerals. A well-balanced wine with complexity and a lingering finish.

Suggested Pairings: Asian cuisine, slightly spicy foods, and smoked salmon.

My Pinot Grigio Food Pairings

The theme of all my Pinot Grigio pairings is light dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients.

(Handmade caprese tortellini from Storico Fresco purchased at my local farmers market Freedom Farmers Market) 

If you haven’t had a glass of Pinot Grigio lately, I highly recommend a glass from Albino Armani and the Triveneto wine-growing region. The wines are an excellent value and easy to find throughout the United States. (My Total Wines carries all four of these Pinot Grigios.) Have your own tasting and experiment with food pairings and the different terroir expressions.