Pale straw color; tropical fruit, lemon-lime, white peach, yellow apple, pear, cantaloupe, honey, toasted almonds, minerality on the nose and palate.
Dry; no tannins; sharp acidity. Light-plus body. Smooth, delicious. Impressive concentration. Made with grapes from a single vineyard in the hills outside the seaside town of Pescara on the Adriatic Sea—thus the touch of minerality-saline, especially on the finish. The vineyards are sustainably farmed, grapes hand-harvested. Gentle grape pressing, low-temperature maceration managed to showcase delicacy and aromas. On the lees for up to four months, then aged in stainless steel. 12.5% ABV
The 500-acre Ciccio Zaccagnini is located in Bolognano, alongside the Rome-Pescara highway in the Pescara province. Established in the early 1970s, it is 30 miles from the Adriatic coast and eight miles from the 9,000-foot Maiella Mountain. Marcello Zaccagnini directs the operation. Concezio Marulli is the winemaker. Their slogan: “Wine, art of man.” The tralcetto (stick) is an actual grapevine cutting from the vineyard is cut and tied by hand onto each bottle to represent the connection between the vine and the land.
Italian pinot grigio—it is the same grape as pinot gris in France—is a mutation of pinot noir. Very versatile, it produces wines ranging from dry—this effort—to sweet depending on region and winemaking techniques. Good acidity is a hallmark, especially from Italian versions. This is crisp, refreshing text book iteration of pinot grigio.
Cantina Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio Colline Pescaresi Dal Tralcetto, Italy IGT 2022 is solid example of classic Italian pinot grigio—dry, light, crisp, refreshing, balanced. Delightful and harmonious symphony of tropical fruit, crispness, acidity, and minerality-salinity. Works as an aperitif. Pair with seafood—pinot grigio/gris is ideal for almost all seafood, fish, shellfish; roasted and rotisserie chicken; risotto; lighter pork dishes; pasta dishes with white sauce; salads and vegetarian fare; grilled vegetables. Charcuterie board with range of cheeses, fresh fruits—apple, pear, grapes—cured meats, nuts, light crackers. Cheese—mozzarella, goat cheese, feta, brie, parmigiano reggiano, gruyère. $10-18
