“The only stupid
question is the question that is never asked.” Ramon Bautista
Occasionally, when I’ve poured wine, people have asked if I had any Pinot Grigio from Italy. That’s been especially amusing when all that
was on the sample table were reds. Perhaps
they thought a bottle might be obscured in an ice bucket (that was also obscured). But regardless, I always recommended Kris. It’s a “go-to” bottle here at “Mizer Manor”
and another in my mini-series of recommended value wines.
Kris’ label has always struck
me as strange. But perhaps that is
effective and its purpose. It does
standout. Beneath the name “Kris” is a green
hand print holding …. (are they) grapes (?).
Next to that is a red lipstick imprint and a gold circle. The back-label states that “Kris Pinot
Grigio’s flavor is as vibrant as its label suggests.” Things like this make me happy I’m not in
marketing. But I’ll give ‘em that the wine is vibrant.
Kris doesn’t sound
Italian. And its label is not styled in
a traditional or classic Italian design. But it’s 100% Pinot Grigio and 100%
from the Della Venezie region of Northeast Italy and you can’t get more Italian
than that. What you also get is a
delicious Pinot Grigio that, at an ARP of $12) costs about half the price of a better-known
brand.
Its nose is medium, more
creamy than sharp and offers kiwi, creamed lime, floral notes (acacia) and a
gentle note of mint (?). On the palate,
the lime carries on in a smooth and rounded style with interesting notes of
jasmine tea and honeyed almonds. Lemon
marries lime in the mélange along with crisp apple rounded with a subtle suggestion of pear. Other tasters enjoyed tangerine and apricot.
“Grigio” in Italian means
“gray,” (attributed to the grape’s skin color). In the glass, however, the wine
shows as brilliant light-lemon with a green cast. It’s a perfect Pinot Grigio for your next
picnic, lunch on the deck or summer get together. But It’s also a wine that travels nicely from
the picnic to the dining room table for more formal meals. And I found it locally at $9.99 which should
make you feel even better if you’re the one charged with buying the wine. |
| Quality & Character Is Consistent From Vintage To Vintage |
Its acidity makes it food
friendly with a wide variety of dishes. Creamy mushroom risotto is a natural as
is any pasta in a white (or cheese) sauce (try a white cheese lasagna or Spaghetti
Carbonera). Lighter and more causally,
enjoy it with a light lunch of tuna salad and fruit. Tossed green salads? Sure! Chicken breasts wrapped in prosciutto
and stuffed with basil pesto from the garden. Or go with your instincts and make a chicken or
any style of fish piccata. Then again, it’s fine on the deck by itself at day’s
end watching the sun go down.
Ramon Bautista didn’t just say
it. He believed it, and he was right.
Were it not for people asking me to recommend a value Pinot Grigio from
Italy, I’d not have a reason for explaining why I’ve been enjoying this brand
for many years. Thanks, Ramon and
thanks to those with questions at sample tastings. And now, if you enjoy this recommendation,
you can lift a glass to Ramon too.
Alla nostra!
……………………. Jim
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TECH SPECS AND ETCETERA
The wine is 100% Pinot Grigio
but blended from the three permitted della Venezie’s regions to yield a
finished wine with an expressive flavor profile. Veneto berries provide the delicate floral
notes and almond finish. From the SW facing slopes of Montagna in Alto Adige,
the sunny exposure contributes fresh citrus and notes of pear. The Mulinat estate in Friuli (soil is well
drained and gravelly) produces low yielding fruit of good concentration.
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Sub-Region Venezie
Elevations: 330-1320 Feet
Classification: IGT
ALC: 12.5%
Closure: Twist Off
Imported By: Winebow Inc. (NY, NY)
Rating: 87 Points, Wine
Enthusiast. Which Also Rated It a “Best Buy”
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