The Pinot Grigio Killer

Nicholas Pearce presents a great value white from the North of Italy…

Tessari Grisela Soave Classico DOC 2019

Wines from Soave are made with the local grape Garganega. Cantina Tessari has its vineyards in the volcanic hills above Il Castello di Soave, which is the original – or ‘Classico’ – wine growing area in Soave, where the best vines are located.

Tessari’s golden straw coloured Grisela is the backbone of the vineyard; a delicious entry level wine that is meant to be enjoyed on any occasion. Melba toast, elderflower and chamomile aromatics fill the glass with a notable mineral quality. The taste of crushed seashells dance on your tongue with a fun duo of stone fruit and citrus. The finish is refreshing with balanced acidity.

Grisela is excellent as an aperitif. Perfect with light appetizers, rich Italian seafood, risotto with black squid ink or on its own.

It began with Antonio, then on to Bianca and Aldo before the current generation of Cornelia, Antonio and Germano took over this singular Soave project. Grisela may clock in south of $20 but it is in fact a single-vineyard garganega off of near 45 year-old vines in the area of Brognoligo di Monteforte. An obviously easy, peachy, amenable and gift of a harvest Soave that followed a smooth sailing season with fruit, minerals, elements and a liquidity of structure that just keeps on giving. This is winemaking as an extension of farming in the finest sense of education and learning 101. Drink 2020-2024. Tasted December 2020. – 90 points – Michael Godel

$19.95 per bottle
$239.40 per case*

*Sold in cases of 12. HST and bottle deposit are not included