2024 Pizzini Pinot Grigio, King Valley

A serious grigio? You bet, even more so for the price. Combines a savoury saline, preserved lemon, green almond tang with dusty lemon, lime, apple and a light dusting of ginger spice. Crunchy, clean and super refreshing. Happy to go solo by the glass, but that chalky texture is just made for the company of seafood.

92 points Special Value Jeni Port winecompanion.com.au

The Pizzini Pinot Grigio from King Valley is a bright, crisp and beautifully expressive white that reflects both the Italian heritage of the Pizzini family and the cool-climate charm of the region. The Pizzinis were among the pioneers of Italian varietals in Australia, planting their first vines in the King Valley in the 1970s, and they have become synonymous with vibrant, food-friendly styles. Pinot Grigio thrives here thanks to the high altitude vineyards, cool nights and long ripening season, which allow the fruit to retain freshness and lively aromatics.

In the glass, the wine is pale straw with a faint green shimmer. Aromas are delicate yet inviting, with fresh pear, apple, lemon zest and white flowers, underscored by a hint of almond and wet stone. The palate is crisp and zesty, offering flavours of nashi pear, citrus and a touch of quince, framed by clean acidity and a subtle mineral edge. It finishes dry, refreshing and elegant, in true northern Italian grigio fashion.

This style is made for food. Pair it with antipasti, grilled calamari, lightly battered whitebait, chicken saltimbocca, or even a summer salad of fennel and orange. It also works a treat with Asian dishes like prawn dumplings or Vietnamese rice paper rolls. While best enjoyed young for its freshness, it will hold nicely for 2 to 3 years.

Critics consistently praise the Pizzini Pinot Grigio for its authenticity, calling it one of Australia’s most consistent and reliable takes on the style. It’s often described as excellent value, offering a true taste of Italy with an unmistakable King Valley accent.