Wine: Lagaria: Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT Magnum (with customary, synthetic cork)

Lagaria

Lagaria comprises two crisp, clean, versatile whites from the crisp, clean climate of northeastern Italy’s Val Lagarina (hence the name…) and a delightfully rich Mediterranean Merlot. Everything about these wines is joyful, allegro conbrio. They scintillate in the glass with their light golden and brilliant ruby hues. They even scintillate on the label, where Maria Gemma Empson has captured the vibrant colors of hillside vineyards and mountainous horizons. Not to mention the great price-to-quality ratio! Neil & Maria Empson wanted to make the quality of privileged terroirs as accessible, easy-going and affordable as possible. So they created fruity, fragrant, well balanced little beauties whose medium to full body and smooth texture gently highlight any course, any day. Initially, the red wine of the range also came from the country’s northeast. In May 2005, however, the Empsons discovered the wonders of Sicilian Merlot, which happily joined the Lagaria family. This delightful varietal is deep in color, with rich, black cherry aromas and nuances of mint and vanilla; full-bodied, soft on the palate, with a good, sweet, medium to long finish

Entirely from the homonymous grape, this is a brilliant, smooth, medium-bodied, fresh and well balanced wine; extremely eclectic with food, ideal for apéritifs and parties.

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