Maretti Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio 2023

Always love seeing European wines under screw cap – it feels a bit like the Rebel Alliance is finally making inroads against Darth Vader and the Empire. A fine example of Pinot Grigio from the Friuli Grave region, which ranges between 450 and 700 metres above sea level, and which is up in Italy’s northeast, near the borders with Austria and Slovenia, the Grave part of the name comes from the gravelly soils found in the region, and not anything more morbid. This is a single vineyard wine, fermented in stainless steel and subsequently seeing six months of maturation there. A straw/gold colour, this is a slightly leaner style than many of us are used to, offering a little more elegance. This is fresh, offering river pebbles, citrus and pears, with notes of lemon curd. A supple texture, good focus and medium length combine to make this an enjoyable example. Enjoy over the next three to four years.