Panel tasting results: North Italian Pinot Grigio bursting with character
None of the standard supermarket-shelf fare here, in a wide-ranging tasting that reveals the diversity of styles and underlying quality and elegance of this often miscast grape.
Melania Battison, Andrea Briccarello and Bruno Besa tasted 61 wines with 3 Outstanding and 25 Highly recommended.
North Italian Pinot Grigio: Panel tasting scores
61 wines tasted
Exceptional 0
Outstanding 3
Highly recommended 25
Recommended 30
Commended 3
Get our daily fine wine reviews, latest wine ratings, news and travel guides delivered straight to your inbox.
Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their Pinot Grigio wines, from any vintage, from a northern Italian region: Aosta, Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Piedmont or Veneto.
Quality and diversity
Monte Tondo in Delle Venezie, Veneto
Tasting 61 Pinot Grigios might sound like a dream to some, or a slow-burning endurance test to others. I’ll admit I approached it with cautious optimism.
And sure enough, somewhere between glass number 15 and 40, I was reminded why this grape deserves far more credit than it often gets.
Having spent time in Friuli Venezia Giulia, in Italy’s northeast, I’ve seen first-hand what Pinot Grigio can achieve when it’s taken seriously – and how frustrating it is that so much of the good stuff rarely travels beyond Italian borders.
The denomination is evolving rapidly, not just in volume but in quality and demand.
Three key regions in northern Italy were represented in this tasting, each with distinct traits that genuinely help consumers navigate the category, whether browsing a wine list or standing indecisively in a supermarket aisle.
Friuli Venezia Giulia, in particular, refused to be boxed in. As Bruno Besa neatly put it: ‘There isn’t a common denominator here.’ Quite right.
'There is a style for everyone’
Tommaso Gallo, Vie di Romans
The range moved from bright, youthful examples to bottle-aged wines and traditional yet adventurous, copper-hued ramato styles – a result of the natural greyish-pink pigments in the grape’s skins, which will colour the wine if extended maceration is allowed.
Represented in four of the top six wines, ramato stole the show: textured and characterful, they’re proof that Pinot Grigio has a backbone and personality.
Yet across all styles, elegance was the unifying thread in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
Veneto, meanwhile, reminded us why Pinot Grigio conquered the market in the first place. The quality-to-price ratio remains unbeatable. These wines were defined by freshness, energy and accessibility – less contemplative perhaps, but joyfully drinkable.
Alto Adige (Südtirol) felt shaped by its alpine climate, delivering precision and consistency: zesty acidity, citrus clarity and subtle texture, thanks in part to the grapes’ thicker skins and the cooler nights.
As Andrea Briccarello concluded: ‘There is a style for everyone.’
After 61 glasses, I can agree and confirm that Pinot Grigio’s greatest strength is versatility without pomposity.
What to eat with north Italian Pinot Grigio, by Fiona Beckett
As this tasting revealed, Pinot Grigio can be far more elegant and complex than it’s given credit for, but that doesn’t necessarily take you in a different direction food-wise.
Starting with Italian food, the crisper, fresher styles – and most of these wines were drinkable now – would be superb with an antipasti selection featuring fried dishes such as arancini and fritto misto, and with pasta dishes based on seafood or with creamy sauces.
In fact, the extra weight of these premium examples helps cut through a rich pasta dish such as carbonara or a crab-stuffed raviolo.
Pinot Grigio’s versatility works equally well with other European cuisines, especially seafood dishes from France, Greece and Spain. Any meal you can accompany with an Albariño or Assyrtiko, you could enjoy with a north Italian Pinot Grigio.
As for the ramato skin-contact style, think more in terms of habitual partners for orange wine: ingredients such as lamb and aubergine, mezze such as hummus and other Middle Eastern dips, game such as pheasant or wild boar, and hard sheep’s cheeses.
See all notes and scores from the north Italian Pinot Grigio tasting
The judges

Melania Battiston is wine director at Michelin one-star Cornus in London. Hailing from Lombardy, Italy, she’s a CMS Advanced Sommelier and runs Mel CnC, her consultancy for hospitality and brands

Andrea Briccarello is the UK Brand Ambassador for Bisol. He was previously the Galvin’s restaurants wine buyer and before that group sommelier and wine buyer for Corrigan’s Mayfair, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, and Lindsay House, and has also worked at Michelin-starred Umu.
In 2009 he was named Sommelier of the Year by Taste of London, and he was the winner of the Wines of Roussillon Dessert Trophy in 2010.

Bruno Besa is founder and managing director of specialist wine importer Astrum Wine Cellars. A DWWA judge, he is originally from Friuli in northeast Italy, and was formerly a sommelier at the Dorchester Collection in London
North Italian Pinot Grigio panel tasting results:
Wines were tasted blind
Related articles
The Antipodean winemakers feeling the lure of Italy
Rioja Report 2026: A comprehensive review of the latest releases
Sam Neill: A tribute and recent interview with the late winemaker and actor
Vie di Romans, Dessimis Pinot Grigio, Friuli Isonzo, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

This historic Friuli estate spans about 70ha and has been led by Gianfranco Gallo since 1978. With its deep commitment to expressing the Isonzo terroir,...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Vie di RomansFriuli Isonzo
Cantina Tramin, Unterebner Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2023

Founded in 1898 and based in Termeno, a little southwest of Bolzano, Cantina Tramin is one of Italy’s most respected cooperatives, bringing together some 160...
2023
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Cantina Tramin
Lis Neris, Gris Pinot Grigio, Friuli Isonzo, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2015

Friuli undoubtedly made its mark in this panel tasting. Lis Neris – a historic family estate founded in 1879 – is located on the upper...
2015
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Lis NerisFriuli Isonzo
Dario Princic, Sivi Pinot Grigio, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2020

Bruised orange, dried herbs and cooked berries create a bold, characterful ramato, with bitter cherry, prune and balsamic intrigue. Skin-contact grip and vivid freshness drive...
2020
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Dario Princic
Dornach Patrick Uccelli, Louis Macerato Pinot Grigio, Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2024

Wild strawberry, raspberry and orange peel leap from the glass, backed by balsamic herbs and dry spice. A cleanly layered, vibrant and savoury ramato style;...
2024
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Dornach Patrick UccelliVigneti delle Dolomiti
Specogna, Ramato Pinot Grigio, Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Rose petal, lychee and apple strudel unfold into orange peel, wild strawberry and dried cherry. Textured, mineral and zingy, with sage, nutmeg and a savoury...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
SpecognaFriuli Colli Orientali
Elena Walch, Vigna Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2023

Citrus, wet stone and flint lead a refined mountain style, lifted by wild fruit and herbs. Crystalline, juicy and poised, with tropical hints and a...
2023
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Elena Walch
Gradis'Ciutta, Pinot Grigio, Collio, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Bruised apple, caramelised pear and mango rise with rose water and white flower. Dense, aromatic and salty, with apple strudel richness, citrus lift and deep,...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Gradis'CiuttaCollio
Kettmeir, Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2024

Lemon, pear and white flower aromas meet flint, sage and thyme. Generous and polished, with fleshy stone fruit, salty energy and a long, vibrant finish...
2024
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Kettmeir
Cantina di Gambellara, Monopolio Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy 2025

Banana skin, pear drops and mandarin meet fresh apple, lime and nuts. Bright, zesty and layered, with cooked pear, grapefruit snap and an easy, refreshing...
2025
VenetoItaly
Cantina di Gambellaradelle Venezie
Cantina Tramin, Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2024

Lemon blossom, camomile and mountain herb aromas lead into apricot, citrus peel and a gentle yeasty note. Pure, textured and zippy, with lovely persistence and...
2024
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Cantina Tramin
Livio Felluga, Pinot Grigio, Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Pink grapefruit, redcurrant and yellow fruit over crushed stone and nutty lees notes. Elegant and concentrated, with white stone fruit, dried herbs and a salty,...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Livio FellugaFriuli Colli Orientali
Andrea di Pec, Pinot Grigio, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Lemon peel, white flower and crisp tree fruit open a juicy, citrussy style. Gentle yet energetic, with fleshy stone fruit, mineral freshness and a clean,...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Andrea di Pec
Cantina Terlano, Tradition Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtiro, Italy 2024

Lemon balm, verbena and lime zest shine alongside stone, salt and white flower. Juicy yellow citrus and a touch of almond bring texture, ending lively,...
2024
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Cantina Terlano
Kellerei Salurn, Tolloy Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2025

Green apple, pear and sage aromas carry through a zesty, mineral palate, with white flower, sherbet lemon and juicy melon notes. Tangy, aromatic and impressively...
2025
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Kellerei Salurn
Plessiva Isidoro Polencic, Pinot Grigio, Collio, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Wild berry, apple blossom and hawthorn introduce a delicate ramato, deepened by nut, confit lemon and dried flowers. Fragrant, ripe and textured, with mango and...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Plessiva Isidoro PolencicCollio
Pradio, Priara Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Pear, white grapefruit and thyme lift from the glass, joined by white flower and ripe tropical fruit. Graceful yet generous, with guava, mango and a...
2024
Friuli-Venezia GiuliaItaly
PradioFriuli
Sacchetto, Giano Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy 2024

Apricot, peach yoghurt and grapefruit mingle alongside flower, stone and citrus peel. Textured and juicy, with fleshy white fruit, zesty energy and a bright, dry...
2024
VenetoItaly
Sacchettodelle Venezie
Alois Lageder, Porer Pinot Grigio, Mitterberg, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2023

Peach, apricot and lemon tea aromas lead into pear, melon and fresh herb. Floral and fragrant, with ripe tropical fruit, lively salinity and an elegant,...
2023
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Alois LagederMitterberg
Cesconi, Pinot Grigio, Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2024

Peach tart, acacia honey and camomile open into bruised apple, citrus and herb. Juicy nectarine and melon fill the palate, finishing polished, generous and bright...
2024
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
CesconiVigneti delle Dolomiti
Erste & Neue, Classic Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy 2024

Lime blossom, pink grapefruit and nectarine burst from this salty, fragrant style, with lemon peel, green apple and dried herb adding lift. Lively, juicy and...
2024
Trentino-Alto AdigeItaly
Erste & Neue
Guerrieri Rizzardi, Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy 2025

Peach blossom, hyacinth and dried herb unfold over flint and mineral notes. Juicy pineapple and mango bring texture and charm, finishing crisp, salty and impressively...
2025
VenetoItaly
Guerrieri Rizzardidelle Venezie
Monte Tondo, Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy 2025

Peach, yellow plum and pear glide across a silky, floral palate, with sea salt, lime and white stone fruit bringing brightness. Gentle, creamy and delightfully...
2025
VenetoItaly
Monte Tondodelle Venezie
Piera 1899, Terre Magre Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Yellow apple, pear and white flower sit over flint, citrus and fresh herbs. Gentle yet lively, with clear Pinot character, mineral clarity and a dry,...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
Piera 1899Friuli
Sacchetto, L'Elfo Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy 2024

Crunchy apple, pear and white flower comprise an inviting opening, followed by citrus, flint and Chinese pear. Vibrant, textured and juicy, with a bright core...
2024
VenetoItaly
Sacchettodelle Venezie
Sturm, Bio Pinot Grigio, Collio, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2021

Rose petal, pink grapefruit and apple deliver a lovely aromatic lift, joined by dried flowers and a flicker of struck match. Elegant, salty and mouthwatering...
2021
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
SturmCollio
Tunella, Pinot Grigio, Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy 2024

Almond skin, bitter orange and wild strawberry give a classically Italian feel, lifted by white grapefruit, apple and pear. Subtle, juicy and noble, with a...
2024
Friuli Venezia GiuliaItaly
TunellaFriuli Colli Orientali
Zeni, I Classico Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy 2024

Fresh-cut grass, white flower and herb notes frame ripe white fruit, mango and passion fruit. Precise yet textured, with iodine, crushed stone and an uplifting,...
2024
VenetoItaly
Zenidelle Venezie
Melania Battiston is wine director at Michelin one-star Cornus in London. Hailing from Lombardy, Italy, she’s a CMS Advanced Sommelier and runs Mel CnC, her consultancy for hospitality and brands