2025 Castel Firmian Pinot Grigio, Trentino

This example of Pinot Grigio, from the Trentino region in northern Italy, near the foothills of the Italian Alps, has seen brief skin contact to enhance texture and structure. Mezzacorona is a highly regarded cooperative and the Castel Firmian label is where they focus on their premium wines. Straw/ yellow, the nose reveals notes of wet pebbles, crisp pears, florals, dry herbs, lemongrass, minerals, jasmine and nectarines. Good focus, this is an easy drinking style of decent length, and we see hints of orange peel emerge on the palate. A fine line of acidity contributes to an appealing juicy style. Enjoy this over the next two to four years.

92 points Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

Castel Firmian is the flagship range of Mezzacorona, the historic Trentino producer founded in 1904. Surrounded by the Dolomites, the vineyards of the Adige Valley enjoy long hours of sunshine tempered by cool mountain nights, conditions that suit Pinot Grigio particularly well. It is a familiar grape, certainly, but grown in its Alpine home it can have far more freshness and personality than the oceans of anonymous Pinot Grigio suggest.

The 2025 is the bright, youthful sibling to the more substantial Riserva, made to capture clean fruit and immediate refreshment. Mountain influences help retain acidity while the sunny growing season develops ripe pear and stone fruit. There is no need to overcomplicate things here: it is dry, crisp and immensely easy to drink, with just enough savoury character to keep you coming back.

Very pale straw with green flashes. Nashi pear, green apple and white peach lead into lemon zest and delicate blossom, with hints of fennel and fresh almond underneath. The palate is light and juicy, carrying pear and citrus through crisp acidity before grapefruit peel and almond skin add a subtle savoury note to the clean, dry finish.

Salt and pepper squid with lemon would disappear alarmingly quickly beside this, alongside grilled prawns, spaghetti alle vongole, kingfish crudo or zucchini fritters with ricotta and mint. Our pick is the squid, hot from the fryer with plenty of lemon and absolutely no requirement for cutlery.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2029.