Drink again. As Stephen Brook found on a recent trip to Friuli, there is a nucleus of winemakers crafting Pinot Grigios on the slopes of Friuli with more poise and persistence than its bland alter-ego ever had
Pinot Grigio to make you drink again
Lis Neris, Gris, Isonzo 2011
18.5pts/20 (95/100pts)
Sumptuous apple and mango nose. Quite exotic. Creamy apple compote flavours on the palate, opulent but not heavy. Spicy and complex, with a seductive texture and limpid, lifted finish. Good length.
Price: £20.42-£24.50 D Byrne, Hedonism
Drink 2015-2022
Alc 14%
Vie di Romans, Dessimis, Isonzo 2012
18.5pts/20 (95/100pts)
Pale copper-pink. Rich, nutty pear nose. Creamy, powerful and spicy, with a juicy texture, yet has pungency and fine balancing acidity. Very long.
Price: £22.28-£33.40 Widely available via UK agent, Liberty Wines
Drink 2015-2024
Alc 14.9%
Livon, Braide Grande, Collio 2013
18pts/20 (93/100pts)
Ripe, spicy nose, pear crumble. Swaggering palate. With great breadth of fruit, this is concentrated but accessible, with fine acidity to balance the wine. Pure pleasure and fine length.
Price: £17-£20 Eurowines, Simply Wines
Drink 2015-2022
Alc 13.5%
Schiopetto, Collio 2011
18pts/20 (93/100pts)
Subtle, floral, ripe pear nose. Rich, creamy and concentrated, with fine but discreet acidity. Delicious fruit, nutty but bright and elegant. Long.
Price: £20 New Generation Wine
Drink 2015-2020
Alc 13%
Toros, Collio 2013
18pts/20 (93/100pts)
Bracing melon and mango nose, seems oaky although it is unoaked. Firm and concentrated, with extract and vigour, ample personality and good length.
Price: £25.99 (2011) Selfridges
Drink 2016-2024
Alc 14%
Branko, Collio 2013
17.5pts/20 (91/100pts)
Heady floral nose with ripe apple fruit. Good attack, lively but also has weight and concentration, with just a hint of sweetness. Balanced and long.
Price: £19.40 Hedonism
Drink 2015-2020
Alc 13.5%
Dario Princic, Collio 2006
17.5pts/20 (91/100pts)
Coppery colour. Startling nose of strawberry, honey and flowers. Medium-bodied, with a grape-skin burr, moderate acidity, and a firm dry finish. Biodynamic.
Price: £26.67 (2009) Exel
Drink 2015-2020
Alc 13%
La Tunella, Colli Orientali 2013
17.5pts/20 (91/100pts)
Perfumed citrus and apple nose. Concentrated and suave, yet has firm underlying acidity. Fresh and citric but shows some mineral complexity and fine length.
Price: £11.25 Corney & Barrow
Drink 2015-2020
Alc 13%
