The 2011 Attems Pinot Grigio is sourced from vineyards in the Collio Goriziano area of Venezia Giulia in Italy. Venezia Giulia is in the Northeast corner of Italy, near the Alps and the area is a mix of German, Slovakian and Italian influences. This is an IGT designated wine, which is similar to Vin de Pays wines of France, and that indicates that the wine did not conform to all the rules of the DOC or DOCG. Often when a wine is made exclusively for the American market, they produce it in a style not approved by the wine regulatory board (though I don’t know why this one is IGT). This Pinot Grigio was aged 85% in stainless steel for 4 months and 15% in new oak barrels. The alcohol content is 13%.
The color is a very pale, very clear and clean golden yellow. The nose is soft, subtle and delicate, papaya, pineapple, peach and pear, surrounded by the scent of a garden after the rain. There is a full supple mouthfeel and this is a Pinot Grigio where the acidity is done right. It starts with crisp Fuji apple, tangerine, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and there is a soft slap of minerality that runs thru the flavor profile. The mid palate shows some Anjou pear and creamy peach with a final touch of lemon. The acidity is prominent, but extremely well balanced, it does not jump up and bite you like some Pinot Grigio’s can. Here it gives the wine a good deal of structural length to allow all the flavors to unfold. The finish is crisp, clean and long lasting.
The Attems Pinot Grigio is a delicious and balanced wine. I was starting to prefer Pinot Grigio/Gris from the West Coast of America and Attems Pinot Grigio reminded me of what is special about Pinot Grigio from Italy. There is a subtle mix of fresh fruit and citrus flavors, with soft texture from the minerality and acidity that enhances the entire spectrum. Wine from Europe, Italy especially, is produced to be paired with food, but I would enjoy the Attems on its own, it does not need food to find its balance, it rocks by itself.
