The immensely popular Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita from Italy is a huge seller at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. I seem to face walls of it. I have no idea why it is so popular and at $20.95 given its poor overcropped and dilute quality I just shake my head and say it is part of an illogical craze like Fuzion Malbec from Argentina was in yesteryear. Yes you are entitled to drink what you like and I can live with that provided you get off the treadmill of conformity and comfort and try a few others. The Okanagan in British Columbia, Lake Erie North Shore and Niagara in Ontario can do better. There are also plenty of Pinot Gris from Alsace so you want to try like a much cheaper Joseph Cattin at $14.95.
It is golden coloured with a tinge of pink. The first characteristic you might notice is its spicy nose. Add to that some apricot, pineapple, pear and apple crumble. On the palate some peach, tangerine, honey, mango and guava. A short finish. Sum it up with the word lively and expressive and that fits the bill. Why not get some friends together and put 3 Pinot Gris/Grigio in a bag to cover the label then pour and see which one is the winner?
It will suit roast pork or chicken with roast potatoes and asparagus. Alternatively, when May arrives with fresh local asparagus try it with grilled asparagus or a vegetarian Umbrian Carbonara made with asparagus instead of pancetta or ham. Thinking ahead to Thanksgiving a great accompaniment to turkey or Cornish Hen.
(Joseph Cattin 2019 Pinot Gris, AC Alsace, Cattin, Haut-Rhin, France, $14.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 196956, 750 mL, 13%, Robert K. Stephen A Little Birdie Told Me So Rating 90/100).
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