FERNANDO PIGHIN & FIGLI Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave DOC 2016 REGION: Italy / Friuli-Venezia Giulia GRAPES: 100% Pinot Grigio The gravelly, sandy subsoil of Grave del Friuli forces the roots of the vine to grow deep into the earth, resulting in richer fruit. Select grapes of optimum ripeness were gently pressed immediately after harvest and underwent a 15-day cold-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Neither malolactic fermentation nor oak was used. HARVEST NOTE The 2016 season was a bit turbulent but the resulting wines are wonderful. The temperatures in February and March were higher than past seasons. In mid-April, the weather conditions drastically changed. The area saw a temperature drop and abundant rainfalls that lasted until the middle of June. Luckily, the weather significantly improved during the months of July and August with sunny days and good ventilation, alternating with moderate rains and warm temperatures. This ideal weather situation allowed for an optimum ripeness in the grapes. The 2016 harvest began in early September with perfect grape health and natural sugar record values. The obtained musts showed excellent organoleptic values with particular regard to sugar content and acid balance. After fermentation, the musts rested on their lees until the middle of January with lees stirring every 10 days. The 2016 vintage has shown itself to be an excellent year! TASTING NOTE Shows slightly candied aromas with notes of banana and pear on the nose and palate, with bright acidity and medium body. FOOD PAIRING This is the classic fish wine; excellent with risotto and vegetable soups; also pairs well with light white meats and sweet cheeses. TECHNICAL DATA APPELLATION: Grave del Friuli DOC PH: 3.43 ACIDITY: 5.10 g/l ABV: 13% POINTS OF DISTINCTION Produced with no oak contact or malolactic fermentatiom to retain the grape's freshness, minerality and bright acidity. A versatile wine with seafood, white meats, soft cheeses, and is very good to sip on its own. Grave del Friuli is named for gravel in the subsoil, which is expressed as remarkable minerality in this full, well-structured wine. Fernando Pighin & Figli has seamlessly combined technical expertise with respect for tradition in the production of complex, highly regarded Pinot Grigio..