Soave, Valpollicella, Pinot Grigio…some of Italy’s most famous exports come from this region in the Northeast, with its capital of Venice, and bound by the Adriatic, the Alps, and the Po River.  In fact, the Veneto produces more classified DOC wine – meaning not jug wine, I think Sicily’s still tops there – than any other region in Italy.

The Allegrini family has been one of the great names in the Veneto since the 16th Century, and more recently they have launched a second label, Corte Giara, with the intention of crafting crisp, aromatic wines that are ready to drink right now.

Not only are both whites incredibly crisp and juicy, but what I really love about this set is how bright and juicy the reds are.  Looking for a Pinot Noir substitute, something easy that you can pair with lighter dishes, a red that will leave you refreshed even during these dog days?  Here you go!

(white) Corte Giara Pinot Grigio 2011 – reg. $11.99 – Bright and juicy, clean and fruity, our new favorite Pinot Grigio!  Lemon citrus and white flower aromas start off, then lead to crisp apple and pear fruit on the palate. There’s great depth and balance here, as the fruit comes from hillside vineyards facing Lake Garda, with the elevation and influence of the water creating a perfect growing climate.  Pretty great as a stand-alone sipper, also pair with light seafood, or a classic tomato-basil-mozzarella antipasto.

(white) Corte Giara Soave 2010 – reg. $11.99 – Totally crushable, quaffable juice, yet for those craving a little more, we’ve got a little bit more going on here.  I love the aromas…lemon zest…apple blossom…almonds…magnolia…hmmm…so fresh and forward, I kept sticking my nose in the glass and getting different sensations.  Mostly the native Garganega grape, which is zesty, nutty, bright, and juicy, blended with 20% Chardonnay to add a bit of weight and broaden the mouthfeel, plus ripe yellow apple and fresh pear fruit.  Pair with chicken salad, or a shrimp scampi with fresh parsley.

(red) Corte Giara Valpollicella 2010 – reg. $11.99 – Juicy with hardly a lick of tannin, here is a perfect summer red, something light and fresh you can drink with a bit of a chill on it, and would match up with light picnic fare, chicken, or seafood.  Smooth with black cherry and raspberry fruit, ripe, fresh, and completely slurpable, with a bright acidity and a cool, earthy, tobacco spice.  Aged all in stainless steel, this is awfully versatile, and can even hold up to some Mexican fare with a bit of heat!

(red) Corte Giara Merlot-Corvina 2010 – reg. $11.99 – Yep, Merlot’s been grown in northern Italy since at least the mid 1850’s, and in this case adds plump dark plum fruit and a more voluptuous texture, combined with the light, fresh, aromatic, and bright native Corvina.  And like a good Old World Merlot should, there’s a bit of structure, and a savory, leathery quality that separate this from your standard California Merlot at this price.  I’d put this next to some chicken breast and shiitake mushrooms off the grill. 

The Deal – Mix a case for an eye-pleasing $112.22 - 22% off the regular price! Only $9.35 per bottle for our new Italian discoveries!

You can order all-red, or all-white, or any other mix you like, as long as it equals 12 bottles, we’ll do the same 22% off. 

Half-case?  We’ll do 10% off, or 15% if you own a Club Bag, just let us know when you order how you’d like it mixed.

Click here to order