2023 Castel Firmian Riserva Pinot Grigio, Trentino

From the Trentino region in northeast Italy, Pinot Grigio has established a home for itself here. Castel Firmian is the top of the range label for the Mezzacorona operation. A touch of skin contact is used here, to enhance the complexity and texture. Under cork. A deep straw/gold here, the nose offers notes of lemon curd, stewed pears, ginger, florals and orange rind. In Pinot Grigio terms, this falls towards the end of the spectrum which exhibits creamy textures and more complex wines. There is a fine line of acidity, good length and an attractive hint of bitterness at the finish. Drink over the next three to four years.

92 points Ken Gargett winepilot.com

Castel Firmian Riserva Pinot Grigio from Trentino takes one of Italy’s most widely planted grapes and elevates it into a wine of depth, structure, and longevity. Produced by Mezzacorona, one of the most respected cooperatives in the Dolomites, this Riserva bottling comes from select vineyards in Trentino’s valleys where the combination of alpine breezes, glacial soils, and long sunny days produce Pinot Grigio with both freshness and concentration. Unlike the simple, easy-drinking style often associated with the grape, this Riserva shows the full potential of Pinot Grigio when given careful vineyard selection and extended ageing.

In the glass it shows a brilliant straw yellow with golden reflections, richer in hue than most Pinot Grigios. The nose is expressive with ripe pear, golden apple, peach, and citrus zest, layered with notes of acacia, toasted almond, and subtle vanilla from oak ageing. The palate is round and textural, with flavours of orchard fruit, lemon oil, and honey, balanced by crisp acidity and a mineral backbone. Lees ageing adds a creamy mouthfeel, while the finish is long, savoury, and elegant. This is Pinot Grigio in a fuller, more complex Riserva style, perfect for those who enjoy richer whites with structure.

Food pairings highlight its weight and complexity. It pairs beautifully with risotto ai funghi, roasted poultry with herbs, grilled swordfish, or veal scaloppini with lemon. Aged mountain cheeses like Asiago or Trentingrana are also perfect companions. Cellar potential is up to 6 to 8 years, developing honeyed and nutty complexity with age.

The Mezzacorona winery has been a cornerstone of Trentino viticulture since 1904, uniting small growers to preserve quality and tradition in a region defined by its alpine terroir. The Castel Firmian line celebrates this heritage, with the Riserva Pinot Grigio representing the pinnacle of their white winemaking. Production is limited compared to the standard Pinot Grigio releases, making it more difficult to find outside Italy but an excellent value for collectors of distinctive alpine wines.