2022 Pizzini Pinot Grigio, King Valley

Fruit sourced from 12 vineyard sites across the King Valley. A seriously good pinot grigio of complexity and poise. That '22 grigio scent should be bottled: striking and gently savoury with ginger, grapefruit, preserved lemon and pear skin. Plenty of cut and thrust across the palate with almond skin, citrus peel bite and upbeat acidity. A chalky texture adds extra interest.

92 points Special Value ✪ Jeni Port winecompanion.com.au

Pizzini is one of the great names of Victoria’s King Valley, with the Pizzini family helping pioneer the Italian varieties that have become synonymous with this beautiful high-country region. Alfredo and Katrina Pizzini built the estate around their Italian heritage, while the next generation continues the family story today. Pinot Grigio is completely at home here, combining Alpine freshness with the relaxed generosity that makes the King Valley such a natural fit for northern Italian varieties.

The King Valley’s elevation is crucial, with warm sunny days followed by cool nights that slow ripening and preserve acidity. The 2022 vintage gives the wine lovely fruit while retaining the crisp, dry style that good Pinot Grigio demands. The emphasis is firmly on freshness and drinkability rather than oak or richness.

Pale straw with a silvery glint, the nose opens with nashi pear, green apple and white peach alongside lemon blossom and fresh citrus. The palate is crisp and lively, with crunchy pear and apple carried by bright acidity. Grapefruit peel and a subtle almond note bring a little savoury interest before a clean, dry finish with a refreshing citrus snap.

This belongs beside salt-and-pepper calamari, grilled prawns with lemon, zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, spaghetti alle vongole or prosciutto wrapped around ripe melon. Our pick is the zucchini flowers, hot, crisp and slightly salty against cold Pinot Grigio is exactly the sort of Italian-Australian diplomacy we can all support.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2028.