Unsurprisingly, all Merlot is not the same. Brandolini’s mid-weight Merlot, for example, bears no resemblance to the opulent and fruity ones often coming out of California. Rather, it’s dark fruitiness is more restrained and accented with savory, earthy notes. Fine tannins impart a suave texture that makes it a delight to drink now with hearty fare.… Read more

Pinot Grigio grapes actually have a pinkish hue to them. When crushed gently, they make the usual white Pinot Grigio wine. When crushed with a touch more force or when the skins and juice are kept in contact for a little time during fermentation, the wine has a copper (ramato in Italian) tint.… Read more

There’s insipid Pinot Grigio and then there’s the real thing, like this one from Ronchi di Manzano, which made the varietal so popular. Unlike so many industrial renditions of Pinot Grigio, this one has weight and an enticing earthy accent to its bright and lively fruity component.… Read more

($34, Vintus):  What a difference between varietal Sauvignon Blanc and the taste that grape imparts to the wine depending on where it is planted.  Here in Collio, Attems Sauvignon Blanc speaks far more strongly to the place rather than the grape. … Read more

($25):  If Jermann’s captivating Pinot Grigio was your first experience with Pinot Grigio, it would be easy to understand the popularity of the category.  Alas, few Pinot Grigio have the character of Jermann’s.  Subtly aromatic, Jermann’s refreshing 2022 Pinot Grigio has appeal that belies its lightweight density. … Read more

($34, Vintus):  This mid-weight Sauvignon Blanc shows that where the grapes grow, Collio in this instance, matters.  The energetic Cicinis subtly combines the characteristic pungency of Sauvignon Blanc with a delicate creaminess.  A hint of bitterness in the finish balances appealing floral and peachy elements. … Read more

($35):  This is just one in the stellar line-up of wines that Mario Zanusso makes at I Clivi.  In the right hands — and Zanusso certainly has them — Friulano has depth, a suave texture, and bright acidity.  I Clivi’s 2021 has all of that and more. … Read more

($15):  Italy produces roughly 40 percent of all Pinot Grigio even though that grape is not native variety to that country, according to Daniele Cernilli, one of the world’s experts on Italian wines.  As it has become an extremely popular wine in the U.S.,… Read more

($25, Montcalm Wine Importers):  Anyone who wants to know why Pinot Grigio became so popular should taste this wine.  And then lament that more PG, as it is sometimes known, doesn’t deliver this much enjoyment.  Its fresh and white flower aromas are immediately captivating. … Read more

($16, Angelini Wine Company):  Though an entirely different style of Pinot Grigio from the Poggiobello (also reviewed this week), Livon’s is equally enjoyable.  It transmits the barest hint of copper color that comes from normal coloration of the Pinot Grigio grape when there has been some skin contact during fermentation. … Read more

($27, Dalla Terra Winery Direct):  Marco Felluga, the man in charge at Russiz Superiore, is a good name to remember for top-notch wines.  In addition to a seductive texture, this 2019 Friulano has good power without a trace of heaviness.  Nuances of orange-rind poke through and complement its fruitiness and spice. … Read more

($17):  Ribolla Gialla, a late ripening variety, is typically the last white grape harvested, sometimes even after the first of the reds are ripe.  Despite that, it holds its acidity exceptionally well.  It’s a misunderstood variety because it can be transformed into two very different styles of wine. … Read more

($40):  Pinot Bianco often makes light, innocuous wines.  Not this one.  Livon’s 2018 Cavezzo has weight and an alluring texture.  A hint of grapefruit-rind bitterness in a lively finish enhances its appeal.  This stylish Pinot Bianco has surprising complexity and could redefine the category for you. … Read more

($27, Dalla Terra Winery Direct):  Marco Felluga, the man in charge at Russiz Superiore, is a good name to remember for top-notch wines.  In addition to a seductive texture, this 2019 Friulano has good power without a trace of heaviness.  Nuances of orange-rind poke through and complement its fruitiness and spice. … Read more

($17):  Ribolla Gialla, a late ripening variety, is typically the last white grape harvested, sometimes even after the first of the reds are ripe.  Despite that, it holds its acidity exceptionally well.  It’s a misunderstood variety because it can be transformed into two very different styles of wine. … Read more

($30):  The leadership of this family-owned winery is unique.  Hilde Petrussa, the current director, is the third generation of female directors.  This Friulano is equally unique.  It has good weight, stone fruit character, all supported and balanced by excellent acidity.  A ying and yang of a subtle creamy richness and hint of bitterness in the finish just makes it just that much more appealing.… Read more

($17, Seaview Imports):  Most people don’t think of northeastern Italy for Cabernet Sauvignon.  Indeed, Friuli Venezia Giulia is home to some of Italy’s best white wines.  But, some Cabernet — both Sauvignon and Franc — are grown on the well-drained gravelly soil, which gives its name to the DOC (Friuli Grave). … Read more

($35):  Ferdinando e Mario Zanusso of I Clivi (which means the slopes) make superb wines.  Their Clivi Galea is a single vineyard with 70-yesr old vines (according to their website) located on the southern tip of the appellation, near the Slovenian border.… Read more

($35):  Ferdinando e Mario Zanusso of I Clivi (which means the slopes) make superb wines.  Their Clivi Galea is a single vineyard with 70-yesr old vines (according to their website) located on the southern tip of the appellation, near the Slovenian border.… Read more

($21):  Consumers can be excused if they are confused regarding the name of this grape.  Formerly it was called Tocai Friulano, but the Hungarians objected that this dry white wine might be confused with their legendary sweet wine, Tokay (Tokaji), so they won a regulatory ruling that forced the Italians to change the name. … Read more

($30):  White wines of Italy are often overlooked because of the stature of the country’s reds.  Schiopetto, one of the top producers in the Collio, shows the heights that white wines can achieve in Italy.  This 2016 Friulano amazes with its lanolin-like texture.… Read more

($23):  Pinot Grigio has become so popular that, for many, it is a commodity, as in “I’ll have a glass of Pinot Grigio…” with no sense of site or producer.  The result is that a bevy of innocuous watery Pinot Grigio have diluted (no pun intended) the wine’s reputation. … Read more

($25):  I love the sound — ree-bow-la jala — when ordering this wine.  The only problem is the plethora or styles — barrel fermented, orange or this beautifully fresh and vibrant version by Collavini.  There is no warning on the label alerting the consumer to the style, so once again, it’s producer, producer, producer. … Read more

($20):  You’re excused if you’ve never heard of the Ribolla Gialla grape, which is unique to the Fruili region in northeastern Italy and adjacent Slovenia.  Even most of those who have heard of the grape don’t realize that it can be used for sparkling wine as well as still. … Read more

($18, Kobrand Wine & Spirits): Buying Pinot Grigio, one of America’s most popular white wines, is like walking through a mind field.  With so many vapid examples on retailers’ shelves, it’s hard for a consumer to know how to choose.  Well, you can start with this one by Pighin. … Read more

($25, Kobrand Wine & Spirits): Pighin’s Pinot Grigio, made from grapes grown in the Collio region of Friuli, is even more impressive that there Grave bottling.  It has more of everything — concentration and finesse — without becoming overblown or blowsy. … Read more

($23): This charming white is an unusual blend of Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio.  It’s a blend that somehow works, delivering a subtle whiff of white flowers, melon-like nuances and crisp balancing acidity that add vibrancy.  Overall, it has a softer, gentler profile that makes it work equally well before or with dinner.… Read more

($17, Angelini Wine): With all the mediocre examples of Pinot Grigio on the market, it’s understandable that those consumers really interested in wine just avoid the category entirely.  As is often the case, price doesn’t separate the wheat from the chaff with many vapid ones occupying the same price point as this commendable one. … Read more