Splendor in the Glass

Pinot Grigio? Its popularity continues to assist the bottom line of restaurants and retailers alike. But cheap Pinot Grigio does no consumer any good. The venerable Attems estate produces a number of Pinot Grigios, and today’s wine, grown in the region of Venezia Giulia, (in northeastern Italy bordering Slovenia, Austria and the Adriatic) is a superb example with character and presence. Try this wine and it will seduce you as it has others for generations.

• 2011 Pinot Grigio, Attems, Venezia Giulia $19 srp

It’s straw-colored yellow with gray highlights. A ripe nose of subtle lemon, verbena, melon and wind-swept grassy summer breezes. Flavors are medium-bodied, yet with a surprisingly rich texture. (15% is aged in new French barrels with the rest in stainless steel.) Persistent flavors of zesty citrus without the tart or lean qualities of lesser Pinot Grigios. Long dry aftertaste that’s ideal for flounder, cod or a quinoa salad. Drink now-2014.

89/100 points

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Le Marche, east of Tuscany and hugging the Adriatic coast, is not a highly traveled region, nor overly well known for its wines. The intimacy of this area is reflected in their wines–not showy or glamorous, but often the equal of many of its neighbors. (Think Chianti or Abruzzi) Two reds are foremost in the Le Marche hierarchy: Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno. Today’s wine, a Rosso Piceno, is a great introduction to these loveable reds.

• 2009 Rosso Bello Le Caniette, Rosso Piceno, Le Marche $12 srp

Aromas of roses and violets pour out on a base of dried cherry fruit. The nose is somewhat “stewed”, suggesting a rustic, country-styled red–just the kind of wine you’d fall in love with while visiting the region! Medium-bodied , with flavors of black fruit on a lightly tannic frame. Drinks well now with your pasta, pizza or simple grilled fare. (45% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, 45% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) Drink now-2015

86/100 Points