2016 Luigi Righetti Pinot Grigio IGT

$15.65 btl / $187.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)

Last year, the Luigi Righetti Pinot Grigio was a few cases shy of being our top seller coming second to the Luigi Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella. One reason as to why these wines are so popular is that Luigi Righetti is the first winery that The Small Winemakers Collection represented in Ontario 26 years ago, and the first order was just 3 cases. That relationship grew every year after that. Today, The Small Winemakers Collection imports more cases then Luigi Righetti’s annual production back then. Angelo Righetti first earned a reputation as an outstanding winemaker in the early 1900s, and since then the family has continued to focus on producing quality wines offering extremely good value.

Unlike many Pinot Grigios, the 2016 Luigi Righetti Pinot Gorgio shows good mid-palate weight and fruit concentration. It is has a youthful nose of lemon peel, honeysuckle and yellow pear. The palate is dry and light-bodied with crisp acidity and the floral and citrus characteristics from the nose come through nicely. The finish is clean but the fruit flavours linger.

The vineyards are located in Valgatara, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, and the estate is a small to mid-sized, family run winery and the wines exhibit an exceptional balance between fruit, acidity and alcohol. The result in wines that have good aging potential, but are available for early consumption as well.

Gian Maria Righetti is the fifth generation within the Righetti family to carry on the family, wine-making tradition. Gian Maria’s father, Luigi, took over winemaking in the 40’s and was the first in the family to consider production beyond supply of local demand. Today, he is still active in the estate’s day to day operation. Gian Maria, who took over winemaking responsibilities in 1985, has broadened the line to include single vineyard offerings and wines with international appeal.

Price: Case of 12 at $187.80 ($15.65 per bottle)

Drink: Now or over the next years

Varietal/Body: Pinot Grigio, Dry, Light-body

Food Pairing: Grilled fish or chicken, seafood, spaghetti carbonara, dishes with cream or lemon based sauce