Friuli-Venezia Region

Fast facts: over 44,000 vineyard acres, 57/43 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Tocai Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Picolit, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Verduzzo, Prosecco, Muller-Thurgau, Riesling and Traminer Aromatico. Key red grape varietals are: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco, Cabernet, Pignolo, Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe, and Terrano.

Cougar's Pinot Grigio is clone VCR05 on rootstock 3309C.

Pinot Grigio - "PEE-know-GREE-gee-oh"

Pinot Grigio is a light, very crisp, dry white.

Origin: A mutation of Pinot Noir, which it resembles in the field, Pinot Grigio is the Italian white wine most recognized by American wine consumers. It is most prominent in Alto-Adige, Veneto and especially Friuli, where the finest examples are made in the Collio area. Italians pick the fruit early as it has a tendency to drop acidity when it ripens fully.

Description: Pale, straw-yellow or very light copper in color with a bright and flowery fragrance. Firm acidity gives Pinot Grigio a mouth watering appeal. Generally offers nice mid-palate balance with a short, clean finish.