Gradis'ciutta Pinot Grigio, Collio 2024

Gradis’ciutta is the name of the hilltop village where winemaker Robert Princic grew up - a quiet village in the Collio sub-zone of Friuli, close to San Floriano del Collio, surrounded by vineyards that his family had tended for generations. In 1997, with a background in oenology and a deep respect for the land, Robert founded the winery that now bears the name of his childhood home. I can’t be sure but I’m starting to get the impression that Pinot Grigio is starting to be seen as a slightly more respectable grape these days. 7 or 8 years ago the country seemed awash with entry level wines, the sales of which were determined exclusively on price. In truth, the mushrooming of Pinot Grigio sales through the early part of the noughties were way in excess of what could realistically have been produced but we won’t dwell on that, simply celebrate the arrival of wines which reflect far better what the grape can achieve. Really quite generous with melon and peach flavours to the fore and a beautiful balance on the palate