The Pinot Grigio grape, a variety with dusky purple skin and white flesh, was the result of a genetic color mutation of the Pinot Nero, or Pinot Noir, variety. Like its relative, the Pinot Grigio may be vinified as a pale rosé (but not as a red) wine if left in brief contact with the skins during fermentation. This variety has become nearly synonymous with northeastern Italy, where the degraded dolomitic and alpine soils converge with a climate influenced by cool mountain air moderated by maritime breezes to create a superb environment for white vine varieties.

Caposaldo Pinot Grigio is produced from vineyards located in the southwestern part of the Veneto northeast of Verona in Terrossa di Roncà, in the the Soave zone. Part of the vineyard is under a single owner who leases the balance of the acreage. The deep, well drained soils are predominantly volcanic in origin, interspersed with calcareous clay, basalt and alluvial areas shot with pyrite veins rich in potassium, phosphorous and other trace minerals. The 346 acre vineyard is situated at an altitude of 750 feet above sea level and exposed south. The vines, trained on spurred cordons, average ten years of age and are planted to a density of slightly over 2,000 vines per acre to increase concentration and complexity in the fruit. A mild spring followed by a hot, dry summer brings the grapes to optimum maturity early in the harvest period.

2006 Caposaldo Pinot Grigio 750ML Price: $7.99