2024 Bella Modella La Farfalla Pinot Grigio, Umbria

Bella Modella La Farfalla Pinot Grigio is a more expressive and characterful take on the variety, shaped by Umbria’s inland position and slower ripening conditions. Sitting in the green heart of Italy, Umbria’s rolling hills, moderate elevations and limestone rich clay soils give Pinot Grigio a rounder profile than the alpine north, while still preserving freshness. Warm days build flavour and texture, cool nights hold acidity, creating a wine that feels generous but balanced.

La Farfalla, meaning the butterfly, reflects both delicacy and movement, a fitting name for a wine that opens gradually and reveals layers with time in the glass. Bella Modella’s focus is on approachable Italian styles that still speak clearly of place, and this Pinot Grigio leans into that philosophy by favouring mouthfeel and savoury nuance over sharp aromatics.

Aromatically, the wine is open and softly layered. Ripe pear, yellow apple and white peach form the core, joined by hints of lemon peel, chamomile and white flowers. As it opens, subtle notes of almond meal and wet stone emerge, adding depth and complexity without weight.

On the palate, texture is the key feature. It enters gently, then broadens through the mid palate with flavours of pear skin, stone fruit and a touch of honeyed citrus. Acidity is fresh but not sharp, giving lift and balance rather than bite. There is a faint savoury, nutty note toward the finish, along with a soft mineral grip that keeps it dry and food focused rather than overtly fruity.

This is a Pinot Grigio that really shines at the table. It pairs beautifully with antipasti, prosciutto, seafood pasta, risotto, grilled vegetables or roast chicken with herbs. Serve it slightly chilled to highlight its freshness and texture. Best enjoyed young for its vibrancy, but it will hold comfortably over the short term as those savoury elements become more pronounced.