Terre di Gioia Pinot Grigio - 2003

Terre di Gioia Pinot Grigio - 2003
Grave del Friuli, Italy

Within Italy, Friuli is White Wine Central. Tucked in the northeast corner of the country; a combination of hills and gravelly soils (putting the "Grave" in the "Grave del Friuli" sub-region) provides good drainage so the vines have to dig deep for water and minerals - exactly the kind of work that makes for good wine. 2003 was a particularly warm vintage here, as in much of Europe; in the Terre di Gioia Pinot Grigio this means an overtly fruity wine, with aromas of pineapple, honeydew melons, and a touch of creaminess. It retains, however, that crisp touch and lightness that makes Pinot Grigio so refreshing and popular.