2004 Barone, Fini, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: This straw-colored wine welcomed panelists with aromas of “very pronounced” grapefruit, peach, nectarine with lemon curd and a slight mineral undertone.  A variety of flavors made an appearance on the palate, from “bright lemon and yeast” to “melon and honey.”  Nuances of lemon, bread and custard showed up to give an impressive finishing touch to this wine.
Food Friendliness: Shellfish would be a great accompaniment, but so would a nice Santa Margarita pizza.

$12 Exceptional Value

2003 La Tunella, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: Tasters described this yellow wine as “very interesting” and “unique.” Banana, apricot, artichoke and clove aromas were “nicely complex.”  Papaya, mineral, vanilla and honey flavors were “balanced” and “very smooth.” The long finish transitioned from honey to orange blossom and sugared lemon.
Food Friendliness: This versatile wine was good on its own but even better with food.  Try it with a wood-fire-grilled chicken-and-artichoke pizza.

$15 Exceptional Value

2004 Attems, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: This attractive golden-yellow wine opened with complex aromas of almond, banana, apricot and pear. Interesting flavors of peach, vanilla, pineapple were both sweet and tart.  Panelists described the mouthfeel as “smooth,” “soft” and “well balanced.” The finish delivered pleasing layers of tropical fruit.
Food Friendliness: This low-acidity wine would pair best with a cream-based soup.

$20 Above Average Value

2004 Bollini, Trentino, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: This pale yellow- wine came across with a crisp aromas of melon, green apple and tropical fruit followed by a touch of eucalyptus.  A myriad of flavors made an appearance on the palate, from green apples and orange to “tea spice” and a “burst of honey.” Suggestions of acid still came through on the finish, supporting the continuous notes of peach and orange zest.
Food Friendliness: The flavors here would work wonders with a thick pan-seared pork chop and creamy polenta.

$14 Above Average Value

2003 Bollini, Reserve Selection, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: Clear and crisp in appearance with a pale yellow-green hue, this wine exuded aromas of green apple, faint lemon, “citrus blossom” and mango.  Panelists tasted subtle layers of peach, apricot, and creamy melon with accents of vanilla which lingered before ending with a “great finish.”
Food Friendliness: This wine is begging for spit roasted chicken or grilled swordfish topped with a basil butter sauce.

$18 Average Value

2004 Bottega Vinaia, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: Bright and inviting, this pale yellow wine smelled of wet stone, nectarine, hazelnut, kiwi and lemon.  Lip-smacking green apple, lemon-lime, vanilla and clove flavors were chewy, crisp and well balanced. Zesty citrus flavors lingered in a long-lasting mineral note.
Food Friendliness: “Shows nicely with food,” one panelist noted.  “This wine should give a chef some room to play.” Try baked white fish with a  creamy oregano sauce.

$20 Average Value

2004 Cesare Duetorri, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: This beauty’s delicate lemon-yellow color sparkled with elegant brilliance.  The wine offered “very bright and pleasing aromas” of citrus, “fresh- cut grass,” gentle minerality and a refreshing whiff of white flowers.  In the mouth this wine’s formidable acidity melds with a calm toastiness wrapped around “crisp lemon flavors,” pineapple and melon.  Tastes of mild yeast and sweet pear put the finishing touches on this charmer.
Food Friendliness: The mild minerality and high acidity make this a perfect match for pancetta-wrapped shrimp with fresh herbs.

$10 Above Average Value

2004 Maso Canali, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: Bright yellow with a clear rim, this wine unfurled aromas of citrus blossom, vanilla, herbs and lemon-lime.  Lemon oil, honeydew, grapefruit and talcum poser flavors waved across the tongue. Panelists pledged allegiance to the “very refreshing” character and smooth mouthfeel.
Food Friendliness: Chicken highlighted the bright citrus and grassy flavors and mellowed the acids.

$20 Average Value

2004 Pighin, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: This golden-yellow wine was as reflective as a jewel.  Peach, lemon meringue, pina colada and honey aromas dazzled panelists.  Crisp acids enriched melon, lemon, orange and toast flavors.  Light and well structured in the mouth, it finished with a hint of pepper and burnt sugar.
Food Friendliness: Serve with shrimp or chicken Alfredo.

$23 Average Value

2004 Banfi, San Angelo, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: Perfumed with grapefruit, peach and spiced apple, this pale straw-colored wine opened with a bitter mineral flavor then transitioned into passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit, cinnamon and caramel.  Pungent, crisp and tart in the mouth, the finish was slightly hot.
Food Friendliness: Try with veal or chicken piccata.

$19 Average Value

2004 Bella Sera Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: This wine was light yellow in color, with nice ripe fruit aromas escaping from the glass.  Crisp acidity paired with flavors of green apple, lemon and honeysuckle to make this wine very approachable and enjoyable.  The finish of crisp acid and ripe fruits left lingering reminders of this value Pinot Grigio.
Food Friendliness: This wine can face any white fish and can stand up to some spice, so bring on the lemon-pepper sole.

$8 Exceptional Value

2004 Bertani, Velante, Pinot Grigio, Italy
Summary: Panelists saw a pale white-gold wine that presented “pleasant aromas of fresh-baked bread,” lemon, pineapple, and citrus blossoms.  The palate received large doses of mouth-watering citrus, lemon custard and pineapple.  The fruit-acid balance provided “subtle flavors that expand on the mid-palate” and “finished with pleasant lingering flavors of cinnamon spice.”
Food Friendliness: Pair with roasted chicken and grilled vegetables for a perfect patio meal.

$13 Above Average Value