Wine: Benvolio Pinot Grigio 2011
Country: Italy
Region: Friuli
Italian Pinot Grigios have improved dramatically. There was a time that I wouldn’t think of drinking one – I found them to be thin and weak, with no substance. Now producers like Elena Walch and Villa Russiz are producing stellar Pinot Grigios, at price points that would have shocked consumers five years ago. The Benvolio is my pick for a very good one at a “fits into my budget for everyday drinking” price. It is dry and medium-bodied, with some minerality, nice acidity and flavors of lemon and pear.