Stefano Lubiana Pinot Grigio 2011

James Busby has to be blamed for the Pinot Grigio variety being planted in Australia as he was the first to import the variety in 1832.  Now, this variety is planted prolifically in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania and Adelaide Hills.  The sales of Grigio and Gris have increased over the past 6 years, along with Sauvignon Blanc, which may indicate that its success is positioned in opposition to the oak driven and ripe fruit of Chardonnay.  What Australian winemakers are still figuring out is how to get the best out of this variety.

Stefano Lubiana Pinot Grigio 2011

I had to put aside my preconceptions about this wine as it is not really a Grigio but more like a blend of Grigio and Gris in the one bottle.  The quality of the wine is very high so it was easy to forgive.  In the beginning there was those lovely pear and apples flavour before the mid palate turned rich and textural. Maybe I was being a bit harsh on the wine as it seems to combine the best of both of the wine styles yet still finishes with a nice lightness.

Alcohol: 13%

Price: $28

Rated: 90

Drink: Now – 2015