 |
| ~ Riomaggiore anchors Cinque Terre along the Ligurian coast ~ |
For me, nothing evokes images of summer more than Pesto alla Genovese and a crisp, steely white from Tuscany. Over the past few weeks we’ve been tasting a variety of Rosato and Bianco wines to give you affordable options for the coming summer months. Today, we’ll be featuring a wine that should be first on the list for lovers of Pinot Grigio. And no, it’s not Santa Margherita.
Castello Banfi sits in southern Tuscany near Sant’ Angelo Scalo, within the famed Brunello di Montalcino zone. Naturally noted for producing high quality Brunello wines, Castello Banfi also produces several inexpensive wines for every day consumption. I’d even add, every day extravagance.
 |
| ~ We paired today’s subject wine with Pesto alla Genovese. You can get the Recipe Here ~ |
Pinot Grigio….is ubiquitous comfort. Yet most people will unfortunately think of “Santa Margherita” when they think of Pinot Grigio. I say unfortunately, because that wine is mass produced and common with little typicity or soul. Plus, it is way, way overpriced for what it is. Do you want a better wine at a much cheaper price? Then thank goodness for TuscanVines!
Today we’re focusing on the 2015 Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio. In the glass, this estate vineyard Pinot Grigio is a medium to pale golden color and emits welcoming aromas of white flowers, honey, pineapple, and citrus.
Sourced from sloping hillside vineyards, the wine is crisp, refreshing and vibrant on the palate with flavors of white stone fruit, lemon zest, ripe pineapple and minerals. Vinified in 100% stainless steel, the wine exudes surprising body, which I can only attribute to the excellent quality of the grapes. This is a 2015, and an early harbinger for a vintage that winemakers are already claiming is as good or better than the exalted 2010.
12.5% alcohol keeps this very refreshing and while it was absolutely outstanding with the Pesto, I also enjoyed it with raw oysters and alone on the patio as an aperitif. If you love Pinot Grigio, do yourself a favor and seek this out. You’ll have to work hard to pay more than $15 or $16 for this wine while the Santa Margherita will clock in north of $20. 91 points.
 |
| ~ San Angelo is 100% Pinot Grigio from Hillside Vineyards on the Castello Banfi Estate ~ |
E vero!
Generally speaking, this is my favorite PG; I have the 2015 and can't wait to get to it!
I agree Dennis. I've been singing the praises of this wine for many years and have personally turned people onto it in wine shops. They're staring at the Santa Margerita and balking at the price. I can almost feel their angst. Then I recommend this. Yet still, SM is the defacto standard and gives Pinot Grigio a bad name. Another nice version is the Kris.
John: I love the Kris labels, but wasn't overwhelmed with their 2010 PG, but that was the only vintage I've tasted; do you have a recommended vintage?
Dennis, I looked back and tasted the 2010 in 2012 and haven't had any versions of Kris since. I liked it fine – scored it 88 points. I can't really recommend a vintage but would be inclined to go 2015 over 2014 if it's been released.