Giocato Pinot Grigio 22

The long and rich history of winemaking in Slovenia dates back to the Illyrian and Celtic tribes, centuries before the Romans introduced winemaking to France, Germany, and Spain. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Slovenia is home to the world's oldest fruit-producing vine. At 450 years of age, it handily beats out the oldest vine in America -- the 400 years old Mother Vine, located on North Carolina's Roanoke Island.

Today, Slovenia boasts more than 28,000 wineries, producing upwards of 80 million liters of wine yearly from its 22,500 hectares of vines. White wine accounts for over 75% of vineyard plantings, and 90% of the total production output is consumed locally. Fortunately, savvy importers (including our friend and former AWM Staff Member Kate Stamps) are introducing these marvelous wines to wine lovers across the globe.

European wine critics and enthusiasts agree that Aleks Simčič of the Edi Simčič Wine Estate is one of the top winemakers in all of Eastern Europe. His family estate and vineyards are located in Goriška Brda, an area ideally suited for top-quality white wine production. This spectacularly verdant sub-Alpine wine region of Slovenia was a part of Italy until the conclusion of World War II, and the estate's vineyards are a scant few meters across the Italian border. The family's vineyards share the same magnificent terroir as the famous Colli Orientali DOC in Friuli, thanks to its close proximity to the Italian border.

Aleks Giocato produces Giocato in collaboration with the local organic co-op, Vinska Klet. This small group of independent farmers was founded in 1957, and like Aleks, they're committed exclusively to organic farming methods. Aleks selects fruit for Giocato from 20 and 30-year-old vines manually picked at an average altitude of 180 meters. The combination of mineral-rich soil, Mediterranean climate, and meager vineyard yields contribute to the fresh, lifted complexity of this delightful Pinot Grigio.

In your glass, you'll instantly recognize this is a solid cut above your normal Pinot Grigio. Aromas of citrus jump from the glass, opening to notes of lemon, lime, and pear on the fresh, zippy palate. There's plenty of body that balances out the vibrant acidity, making this an excellent choice before or during a meal.

If you're a fan of the clean, fresh whites of Northern Italy, give this outstanding Slovenian Pinot Grigio a try, and save a few bucks while you do!