Campanula Pinot Grigio 2009

Appearance: Pale yellow, tinge of green.
Aroma: Grapes, citrus.
Flavour: Fruit and 'green' flavours abound; lots to think about. Gentle, slightly viscous texture and a smidgen of sweetness. Brilliant tingly electrical finish.
Cut grass, citrus, apricot, kiwi fruit.

This wonderful wine proves that Pinot Grigio isn't a lost cause. The winemaker has produced a product brimming with flavour and a lot less acid than is usually expected.
By far the most memorable aspect of the wine for me was the curious tangy finish:
Just like Orangina!

Wine Name: Campanula Pinot Grigio

Producer: Campanula

Grape/Blend: Pinot Grigio

Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 12.5%

Country: Hungary (Eytek-Buda)

Bought at: Laithwaites

Price: £5.99

Value for money: ♦♦♦♦ Very Good
Over all rating: ♦♦♦♦ Very Good

Torretta di Mondelli Pinot Grigio 2010

 Appearance: Very pale lemon yellow.
Aroma: Pear and green apple.
Flavour: Sharp and steel-edged. Very fresh acid and short dry finish.
Think lime, pear, greengage and granny smith.

Clear-cut and very simple, this is a typical Italian pinot grigio. For £4.00 I was expecting it to be a bit bitter and nasty - which many cheap pinot grigios are - and was pleasantly surprised. The mouth-watering acidity makes it a natural aperitif and it will go down well with most light foods.

Wine Name: Pinot Grigio

Producer: Torretta di Mondelli

Grape/Blend: Pinot Grigio

Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 12%

Country: Italy (Veneto)

Bought at: Sainsbury's

Price: 3 for £12

Value for money:♦♦♦ Good
Over all rating: ♦♦ Average

The Ned Pinot Grigio 2010

This powerful and complex New Zealand wine is named after a high peak overlooking the vines of the Waihopai Valley. Part of the Marlborough region, Waihopai is famous for two things:

1. A mysterious and controversial spy facility.

2. Fresh and minerally high quality white wines.

Appearance: Very, very pale pink/orange. Beautiful!

Aroma: Misleadingly light fragrance. Pear and subtle spiciness.

Flavour: Fruit-driven and heady. Classic Marlborough minerality and racy acid. The strength of flavour and alcohol is nicely balanced by the generous sweetness. Noticed pear drops, lemon, nectarine skin and green strawberry.

For everyday drinking, this is an expensive bottle of wine. For a special occasion, however, this wine represents excellent value for money; it's expertly crafted, beautifully balanced and a refreshing take on a Pinot Grigio.

Wine Name: The Ned Pinot Grigio

Producer: The Ned

Grape/Blend: Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris)

Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13.5%

Country: New Zealand

Bought at: Waitrose

Price: £9.99

Value for money: ♦♦♦ Good

Over all rating: ♦♦♦♦ Very Good