Tasting: Pinot Grigio from Aldi
Grape Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Overview: Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine known for its bright acidity, crisp minerality, and zesty fruit notes. Aromas typically include green apple, pear, white peach, lemon zest, and floral tones.
Style by Region:
🇮🇹 Italy (Veneto, Alto Adige, Delle Venezie): More minerally, citrusy, with subtle floral elements.
🇺🇸 California (Mendocino): Riper fruit character with richer peach, melon, and apple flavors, sometimes showing a creamier texture.
🍷 All Wines Tasted (A–D)
Wine A – The Elementalist
🍇 California, Mendocino County – 2024 – $7.99
🛒 Aldi
📝 Crisp, with pear, apple, honeysuckle on the nose. Tart and zesty. Slight metallic finish due to acidity. Great for casual sipping.
✅ Both Lynn and Scott would buy again (Scott: for parties, Lynn: casual at home).
Wine B – Specially Selected (Alto Adige DOC, Italy)
🍇 Ora, Trentino-Alto Adige – $8.95
🛒 Aldi
📝 Very light color. Floral, green apple and lemon aromas. Tart, puckering, lemon-zest finish. Mouth-watering.
✅ Both would buy again for casual home use (not parties).
Wine C – Giretto (Delle Venezie DOC, Italy)
🍇 Soave, Veneto – 2023 – $5.99
🛒 Aldi
📝 Muted floral bouquet. Notes of melon and orange rind. Unusual and not favored.
❌ Scott would not buy again; Lynn might drink at home but not serve at events.
Wine D – Florility Pinot Grigio (Cessalto, Veneto, Italy)
🍇 Cessalto, Veneto – 2024 – $7.99
🛒 Aldi
📝 Slightly deeper yellow. Granny Smith apple aroma, smooth texture, lower acidity. Vegan and organic.
✅ Both would buy again. Scott liked it enough to bring to a party.
🥇 Winning Wine: A – The Elementalist (California)
Total Score: 31 (Scott 16, Lynn 15)
Why it won: Beautifully aromatic with pear, green apple, and honeysuckle. High acidity, refreshing, and balanced. Excellent value at $7.99. Would be perfect for a hot summer day by the water 🌞🌊.
