Tasting a Best Value Italian-Style White Wine from California: Starlight Ridge Pinot Grigio

By way of background: Pinot grigio wines appear in a wide range of styles, from sparse, dry and ageworthy, all the way to fruity, simple and sweet. The term is actually used for pinot gris grape varietals, typically when grown in Italy. However, pinot gris grapes in the United States have also adopted the "pinot grigio" designation. While making a white wine, the grapes themselves show a light red hue. By being pressed for juice before fermentation, the skin color and the elements of the skin do not factor into white wines the way they do with red wines. Let's see what this bargain Central Coast, California, pinot grigio brings to the nostrils and the palate...

Initial review : This is Starlight Ridge Pinot Grigio, Central Coast, California, 2007, finished at 12.% alcohol. It is made by Jenna of St. Martin, California. This is part of the Wine Insiders California Wine Club Selection, with review sample provided by Wine Insiders.

In the glass: Starlight Ridge is clear with deep vanilla coloring.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows a bold sweet citrus on the nose. From the aroma, seems like this will be sweet, lively and brilliant.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact almost mead-like honey notes with gentle orange citrus tones. The acids build slowly, bringing the finish to a lengthy, though pleasant and clean whisper.

In summary: Overall, just catches three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a best value at its bargain price point.

Following long decant, several days kept cool in partially-filled bottle: The nose is consistent with its sweet citrus. The balance of very light honey and gentle acids is poised brilliantly on the palate now. Builds to a plus on the three stars given this gentle and pleasant balance.

Find prices and retail availability for bargain pinot grigio.