Glorious Gris!

Zenato Delle Venezie IGT Pinot Grigio 2006
This regionally-labeled bottling has been a good value high-acid white. The 2005 emphasized citrus notes. The 2006 tasted in this class showed fruits ranging from citrus to tropical. There is a new world freshness, with a healthy dose of acidity and a little phenolic grab and minerality. This is clean and refreshing PG 12.5% $7.99 at Bottle Barn Zenato

Balletto Sonoma Coast Estate Bottled Pinot Gris 2005
Candied fruits came out in 15 minutes. There is a slightly-sweet taste of peaches and a creamy mouthfeel. This is the 4th vintage of this wine for Balletto and in this vintage they’ve adopted the Gris moniker over the Grigio which they used in the past. The fruit comes from the family’s home ranch in Sebastopol. 50% of the wine was fermented in oak, the rest in ss. Half of the wine was also aged in neutral French oak for 5 months. P&B by Laguna Oaks Vineyards & Winery Santa Rosa 13.5% $9.99 at Traverso’s Balletto

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.
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