We continue our quest for the BEST WINE UNDER $20 with this delicious 2016 Pinot Grigio from Veneto, Italy. It’s made by Girl and Dragon. Great summer wine!

VINTAGE: 2016
VARIETAL: Pinot Grigio
SOURCE: Veneto, Italy (IGT)

AROMAS AND FLAVORS:
An adventurous white wine that is fresh and fruity, with lovely notes of citrus.

WINE PAIRINGS:
Sushi, curried dishes, all things fresh from the garden.

About Veneto, Italian Wines:
A large and diverse wine region in northeastern Italy, the Veneto is home to a vast array of different styles of wine. With no defining regional characteristics, it can be a bit confusing to the general consumer to parse through its many subzones, but the patient wine lover will find many treasures to be discovered here, typically at wallet-friendly prices. Red and white wines are produced here, with more emphasis on the latter, as well as the ultra-popular sparkling wine Prosecco. The region is sheltered from harsh northern European winters by the Alps, which form its northern border, but the climate is still relatively cool, making the Veneto ideal for white wine production. Much of Italy’s Pinot Grigio hails from the Veneto, where it can range from neutral and inoffensive to crisp and refreshing.

Perfect Pairings:
Pinot Grigio, with its lean, crisp, citrusy freshness, works better with simple salads, a wide range of seafood, and subtle chicken dishes.

Sommelier Secret:
Outside of France and Italy, the decision by the producer whether to label as “Gris” or “Grigio” serves as a strong indicator as to the style of wine in the bottle—the former will typically be a richer, more serious rendition while the latter will be bright, fresh, and fun.