Cantina Terlano Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy 2024

Founded in 1893 by a group of growers in the Alpine district of South Tyrol, Cantina Terlano/Kellerei Terlan has become one of Italy's most respected wine cooperatives. Its 143 member-growers farm 165 hectares of mountain vineyards, with compensation tied to grape quality rather than quantity — a foundational commitment that defines the cooperative's philosophy. Under winemaker Rudi Kofler, who joined in the late 1990s, Terlano has leaned into low-intervention viticulture and meticulous cellar work, earning a global reputation for mineral-driven, age-worthy whites. The Pinot Grigio sits within the 'Tradition' tier — an alpine expression widely regarded as a benchmark for the region's mountain terroir.

• WINEMAKER: Rudi Kofler
• FARMING: Sustainably farmed. Low-intervention viticulture; yield reduction prioritized across all member parcels.
• VARIETY: 100% Pinot Grigio
• TERROIR: Vineyards on the Tschöggelberg plateau, with volcanic quartz-porphyry bedrock overlaid with sandy, loamy soils rich in quartz at 270–350m elevation on slopes of 5–20%. The high peaks of the main Alpine chain protect South Tyrol from cold northerly winds while the region draws Mediterranean warmth from the south, producing pronounced diurnal temperature shifts that drive full maturity and maintain elegant acidity.
  
• VINIFICATION: Manual harvest and selection; gentle pressing and clarification of the must; slow fermentation at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tank.
  
• AGING: Aged on the lees in stainless steel for 5–7 months
• TASTING NOTES: Intense straw yellow. Aromas of Williams pear, lychee, white melon, and freshly cut meadow. On the palate, notes of black tea, ripe grapefruit, and exotic fruit with balanced acidity and a full, creamy, mellow finish.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Smoked cured meats, herb risotto, nettle gnocchi, lightly truffled dishes, veal scallopine, grilled white fish.
• SCORES: 93 pts. James Suckling (2024 vintage) 91 pts. Wine Advocate (2024 vintage) 90 pts. Vinous (2024 vintage)