Behind the Cork™ - Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio

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2020 Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio ($11.99)

Sicily is a strong and legendary land. Its climate, nature and winemaking experience make it unique.

The story of Barone Montalto began in Santa Ninfa, in the province of Trapani, in 2000. Montalto wines come from great tradition, young character and are admired by a growing audience of wine consumers.

Barone Montalto manages around 400 hectares (~1000 acres) of vineyards. The majority of their vineyards, as well as their winery, are located in Santa Ninfa, in the heart of the Belice Valley. Other vineyards are in the province of Agrigento, in the Valle dei Templi and in Noto.

This wine is produced from 100% Pinot Grigio. And, just a fun-fact, Pinot Grigio is a pink grape that is a mutation of Pinot Noir.

This Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio is pale gold in color with aromas that include hints of citrus, lemon and herbs. On the palate it is smooth and easy with flavors of pear, peach and melon. The acidity is moderate and well-balanced. The wine finishes light and easy. Cheers!

Barone Montalto wines are imported by Mack & Schühle and distributed throughout the U.S.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio

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2019 Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio ($12)

This Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio is from the Valle del Belice in south-western Sicily, Italy.

It is produced from 100% Pinot Grigio that is fermented for 15 days at 13-15°C. Maturation is conducted in stainless steel tanks to preserve its bright fruit flavors for two months prior to bottling.

This Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio is straw yellow in color. The bouquet is full of citrus fruits, pear and green apple. On the palate it is bright and refreshing with medium acidity that yields a long, easy finish.

This is yet another fine example of an affordable and attainable wine that’s perfect to be featured as a Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

For more information on this and other wines from Barone Montalto visit https://www.baronemontalto.wine

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio

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2018 Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio ($16)

This 100% Pinot Grigio is from the Dolomiti region of Italy. Located in the far northern reaches of alpine Italy, it experiences warm Mediterranean influences as well as cool Alpine breezes.

The Lageder family firmly believes that organic and biodynamic cultivation benefits the wine, but also the whole surrounding area and have fully converted all of their estate vineyards in Alto Adige.

This 100% Pinot Grigio starts with aromas of bright tropical fruit, as you might expect. But there’s also a rich, almost buttery aroma that’s included.

On the palate, this Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio has subdued tropical flavors, some dusty minerality and a lingering acidic finish.

Once I checked out the tech sheet on this Pinot Grigio I learned that it undergoes Malolactic conversion, which would explain the buttery aroma and the softened tropical fruit flavors. But, the four months on lees and the aging in stainless steel tanks contributes to the retention of the fruit flavors and the nice acidity.

This was an unexpected treat from Terra Alpina. If you haven’t tried a Pinot Grigio, but enjoy Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, you need to try this one! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Anika Crone, Jarvis Communications