Le Vigne di Zamo : Pinot Grigio 2016

A Powerful Pinot Grigio from Friuli Colli Orientali

The story of Le Vigne di Zamo begins in 1978, when Tullio Zamo first purchased 5 hectares of vineyard on the Rocca Bernarda hill and founded the estate in the Friuli Colli Orientali appellation of northeast Italy. Just 9 years later, the winery hired acclaimed oenologist Silviano Formigli, who helped elevate the quality of the wines and achieve the international recognition they enjoy today. Over the course of the next few years, the family gradually purchased and rented some of the best parcels in the region, uniting a total of 65 hectares of vineyards in the distinct terroirs of Rosazzo, Buttrio and Rocca Bernarda under one brand. The Pinot Grigio 2016 by Le Vigne di Zamo is a single-varietal Pinot Grigio wine. Following harvest in the beginning of September, the fruit is destemmed and 50% is cold-macerated before fermentation in stainless steel, while the other 50% is left on skins for 4 days before completing fermentation in 5-hectoliter oak barrels. For a period of 6 months before blending and bottling, the two batches were kept separate, the malolactic fermentation in the barrel batch carefully monitored and the lees stirred on a weekly basis in both batches. These techniques result in a Pinot Grigio with a remarkably fruity and fresh character and power enough to equal a red.

The Pinot Grigio 2016 by Le Vigne di Zamo presents a deep, almost onionskin pink color in the glass. On the nose, this Italian Pinot Grigio is very varietal-forward, revealing the authentic identity of the Pinot Grigio grape, though it also presents plenty of floral aromas. Subtle hints of bread crust and yeast echo the maturation of this wine, and are complemented by touches of vanilla and toast to complete the intense bouquet. The palate presents a very well-rounded and rich wine, with great warmth and breadth, along with a savory acidity and a hint of tannins. The finish of this wine lingers long on the palate with plenty of pleasant aromas that reveal a great power.