Pure Pinot Grigio

Rather than following the standard route of sourcing from the widely known group of Italian ‘bottlers’, we have developed a wonderful source of supply from a family owned estate in the area of Caprino Veronese, situated in the foothills of the Italian Alps 10km east of Bardolino. There is a quid pro quo however – we get wonderful estate grown fruit with a hand in the style of wine we want producing, but we don’t name the winemaker or the estate. That’s a fair deal! The 140ha estate is located at the foothills of the Alps and in close proximity to Lake Garda, which creates a unique microclimate with great temperature exchange between day and night during the harvest time. The soils and vineyard elevation also play roles in shaping the flavors and aromas of the grapes grown here. The Pinot Grigio grapes are carefully picked by hand in mid-August, when the grapes are very crisp and have the perfect level of acidity. They are destemmed and very gently pressed in a pneumatic press. Prior to fermentation the juice is chilled to allow a natural separation of the sediment. After racking, selected yeasts are added to initiate the alcoholic fermentation. Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled conditions of 18°C in stainless steel tanks for approximately 10 -15 days and then post fermentation the wine is left on its fine lees.