A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Or, for our purposes, a grape by any other name would still taste great. Sometimes it can be mildly confusing that the varietal name of a particular grape would have so many other names. For example, Zinfandel has the same DNA as the Primativo grape, which is the same as the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski. Fume Blanc was a fabrication created by Robert Mondavi because he admired the Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Loire Valley area of Pouilly Fume. The Syrah grape from the Rhone Valley is known as Shiraz in Australia, named after the ancient capital of Persia, Shiraz. And Petite Sirah has nothing to do with Syrah and is known as Durif in France. Sangiovese in Italy, specifically known as Sangiovese Grosso in Tuscany, not to be confused with Sangiovese Piccolo in Northern Italy, is also known as Brunello, Prugnolo, Morellino, and about 20 more names just within Italy with the same DNA. A semi-popular fun grape in Washington State is Lemberger. Still, because consumers associate it with the smelly cheese of a similar name, it is also marketed as Blue Franc after its German Name of Blaufränkisch. This has all been a long introduction to a grape in the Pinot family that has mutated to a grey-purple skin color. Known as Pinot Grigio in Italy and Pinot Gris in France, and it is analogous to if you say, po-Tey-toe or Pah-tah-toe.

The grey Pinot we are most familiar with is Pinot Grigio. A wine that can be light, crisp, and dry with green apple flavors. Pinot Gris wines tend to come from riper growing regions that tend to be dry or off-dry with ripe flavors of tropical fruits, plus notes of ginger and honey. These wines are more full-bodied with an oily texture. Then there are wines in this category that meet more towards the middle and are a little of both.

The founders of Ferrari Carano are both second-generation Italian Americans who fell in love with the Sonoma area and purchased an old farmhouse surrounded by 30 acres of wine grapes in the Alexander Valley. Don and Rhonda Carano have always been very passionate about their Italian heritage and their philosophy of celebrating life—a point made evident while building their Estate Winery, Villa Fiore, in Dry Creek Valley. There is a sense of awe when you pass through the iron front gates and are greeted by the palatial estate that seems better suited to the picturesque grand estates of Italy. Manicured opulent gardens surround the winery, and the Italian-like villa, Villa Fiore, was created from imported Italian marble, complete with Roman statues lining its reflecting pool. This place is as close to being in Italy without being in Italy, so naturally, they made a Pinot Grigio, but due to its riper growing region, it leans to a more tropical Pinot.

Ferrari Carano Pinot Grigio is sourced from their Sonoma County vineyards, mainly along the Russian River. The 2022 Sonoma County vintage had a mild winter with minimal rainfall. The summer was warm and dry, leading to an early harvest. The warm weather resulted in ripe fruit flavors, with the earliest harvest Ferrari Carrano ever had on August 9th.

Individual lots of hand-harvested grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed to minimize any color or harsh tannin extraction, then racked into stainless steel tanks for cold fermentation. This wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, so it retains its bright flavors and crisp acidity. Depth and complexity are enhanced with weekly lees stirring until bottling.

Bright, clean, and refreshing are the defining qualities of this wine. Characters of orange blossom, lychee, lemon-lime, mango, and white peach are brought to life by the wine’s crisp acidity, making it a crowd-pleaser for special occasions or any night of the week.

Aromas of candied lemons and white peaches with citrus blossom and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and crunchy, citrusy character. Chalky finish. Drink now. James Suckling 90 pts

Ferrari Carano Pinot Grigio 2022

Ferrari Carano Pinot Grigio is a wine that everyone will love. Tim and I tasted this wine and found big fruit on the nose, apple, pear, and some tropical fruit; on the palate, it has a medium body with ripe fruit, some mineral hints, and a long finish. Acid was there but not overpowering. This is the type of wine that you will get lost in meaningful conversations and need to find another bottle because the first one went down too easily. A wine made for that big backyard party, small parties on the beach, or a candle-lit intimate party for two on the back deck. At a ridiculous price of $5 a bottle, it is a must-have summer essential, just like sunblock. In truth, we really don’t know why a wine this good is so cheap. Let’s just keep this to ourselves. 

Regular Price: $11.99

Average Internet Price: $15.00

*Sale Price is on 12 bottle purchase

Mail-In rebate of $24 on 12 bottles

Final cost after MIR is $5 a bottle

Wine is packed in a 12-bottle case

*Wine pricing for these wine promotions are held for two weeks after the email offer.

We can hold wines in unpaid reserves for two weeks to allow you time to pick up your wine. If it takes you longer than that to pick up your wines, give us a call, and we can process your wine and move it to paid reserves.

Place your order now with the store contacts above, while you've got all the information at your fingertips.

Cheers!

John Hannum,

Fine & Rare Wine Specialist

Attleboro

628 Washington St.

Norwood

942 Providence Hgwy.

Sturbridge

376 Main Street.

Swansea

207 Swansea Mall Dr.

Monday-Saturday

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