Pinot Grigio (2023)
SommeliAI Insights
A crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio with bright notes of white peach, pear, and spring flowers.
About this wine
The 2023 Terlato Pinot Grigio from Colli Orientali del Friuli opens with inviting aromas of white peach, pear, and delicate spring flowers. On the palate, it offers a complex and layered experience, featuring ripe peach, pear, and citrus flavors that create a mouth-filling texture. A crisp mineral finish adds to its refreshing character. This wine is produced from hillside estate vineyards in Friuli, a region renowned for its high-quality Pinot Grigio. The unique soil composition and favorable climate contribute to the wine's expressive fruit and balanced structure.
About the grape
Pinot Grigio, a mutation of Pinot Noir, has been cultivated in Italy's Friuli region for centuries, particularly thriving in the Colli Orientali del Friuli area. The region's unique 'Ponca' soil—a mix of marl and sandstone—combined with its favorable climate, enhances the grape's aromatic profile and concentration. In the 1970s, Friuli's white wines, including those from Pinot Grigio, gained international recognition due to innovations in winemaking techniques that produced fresher, more vibrant wines. Today, Pinot Grigio from this area is celebrated for its expressive fruit and distinctive mineral character.
Quick facts
- 🇺🇸🍷 The Terlato family introduced Pinot Grigio to the U.S. in 1979, revolutionizing the American wine market.
- 🍑🍐🌸 The 2023 Terlato Pinot Grigio from Colli Orientali del Friuli offers bright notes of white peach, pear, and spring flowers.
- ⛰️🌞🍇 The Colli Orientali del Friuli region, where this wine is produced, is renowned for its mineral-rich soils and ideal climate for white wines.
- 🏅🍷 The 2023 vintage received a 90-point rating from Vinous, highlighting its expressive fruit and crisp mineral finish.
- 👨🌾🍇🏆 The Terlato family's commitment to quality is evident in their hand-harvested grapes and meticulous winemaking process.
Palate profile
Producer
The Terlato family has been a significant force in the wine industry for over 70 years, beginning with Anthony Terlato's entry into the business in 1956. In 1996, they acquired Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa Valley, marking their transition from importers and distributors to producers. The family is renowned for introducing Pinot Grigio to the American market in 1979, earning Anthony Terlato the title "Father of Pinot Grigio." Their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident across their vineyards and wineries, including Sanford Winery in Santa Barbara County, which they acquired in 2002.