It’s time for another face-off, this time Nicolas Cage vs. John Travolta style! You don’t know who is who! That’s right, my wife and I did a semi-blind tasting to compare two similarly priced Pinot Grigios. The Travolta of this match-up is the Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Pinot Gris (2014), a California wine made in the Italian style. And that makes Nic Cage the Barone Fini Pinot Grigio Valdadige 2015 from Italy.
The Kendall-Jackson was up first and had a light aroma of peach and melon. Tasting it you get a bright, crispy, acidity right away, with lemons and some mineral.The wine has a light-medium body and a quick finish. The 2014 is actually a blend that includes 79% Pinot Gris, 9% Roussanne, 4% Gruner Veltliner, 3% Chardonnay, 3% Viognier & 2% Albarino. Overall a nice summer wine.
The Barone Fini Valdadige was up next. This wine is 100% Pino Grigio from Italy. The aroma is apple and citrus. Tasting it you get crisp acidity, but not as much as the California blend. A little more fruit, mineral, and earth shines through, with a lighter body and a smooth finish.
Overall I preferred the Italian wine, it seemed better balanced in terms of acid. Both wines were crisp and refreshing though, perfect for hot days.
Winemaker: Kendall-Jackson
Wine: Vintners Reserve Pinot Gris
Year: 2014
Region: California
Grape: Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Viognier, Albarino
Price: $10-$13
Rating: 6.5/10
Winemaker: Barone Fini
Wine: Pinot Grigio
Year: 2015
Region: Valdadige, Italy
Grape: Pinot Grigio
Price: $10-$12
Rating: 7/10