Pinot Grigio Ramato
The latest wine fad this fall is ‘orange’ or copper-colored wine. It’s not really new, but it has been difficult to find outside of Italy.
The traditional ramato or copper colored white wine comes from Northeastern Italy where winemakers leave the skins on the pinot gris grapes for a short period – a few days or weeks, resulting in a copper-hued wine with more tannins, body and flavor – also adding a bit more complexity.
There are a few winemakers in California that produce orange wines with great success. Santa Barbara winemakers, Peter and Julia Cargascchi, owners of the well-know Cargasacchi Vineyards, have a second label wine called Point Concepcion. For the third year they have produced a pinot gregio ramato that gets better each year.
A very seductive wine, the copper-hued 2008 Celestina is lighter in color, but brighter and fruitier than the 2007 interpretation. A shorter cold soak on this “metodo ramato” Pinot Grigio resulted in less tannin and a more plush, fruit forward mouth feel. This wine jumps out with aromas of ripe peach, kiwi, strawberry and floral elements. Sip or serve with your favorite first course, especially grilled vegetables – including asparagus and artichoke!
This is a perfect go to wine for summer picnics, parties, and relaxing afternoons with friends. $20
Tags: pinot grigio, santa barbara
