The Dagger Pinot Grigio 2023

What grape varieties are in this wine?
100% Pinot Grigio.

Where are the grapes grown?
In the King and Alpine Valleys, north east Victoria.

What does it smell like?
Inviting aromas of nashi pear, honeysuckle, zesty citrus and blossom jump from the glass. Fresh and lively as an early morning walk on the Grand Canal.

How about the taste?
Pears and honeydew zing in the mouth, excellent fruit weight is supported by a bright, steely acid backbone that leads to a crisp and clean finish…just how Pinot Grigio should be!

What food goes with this wine?
Risotto Primavera - spring vegetable risotto with freshly shelled broad beans, asparagus, fresh baby peas and plenty of parmesan.

How is the wine made?
We pick our Pinot Grigio grapes a little bit earlier than the grapes for our Pinot Gris. This means there is generally more acid, and the fruit is more on the citrus side instead of throwing stone-fruits and quince. The grapes were picked in the cool of the dawn, crushed up and pressed to extract all the juice. The juice was settled in a cold tank for 48 hours before being racked off all the solids that had dropped out and directly inoculated with a selection of aromatic yeast strains (yep that trusty yeast from a packet). Our aromatic whites love to be fermented at cold temperatures usually between 11-14°C - to retain those super important vibrant aromatics that jump at you from the glass!

Does this wine spend any time in oak barrels?
Not for this wine! It’s one of the main differences between our Pinot Gris (which does spend time in oak barrels) and our Pinot Grigio.

Analysis
Alcohol 12.1%
Acid 6.46g/L
pH 3.38 
Sugar 1.79g/L

Winemakers Comments
The King and Alpine Valleys in the north east of Victoria are the heart and soul of the Italian wine varieties grown within Australia. We have created this blend focusing on highlighting the spice and herbal elements of this variety balanced by the freshness of Nashi pears and the crisp steely acidity synonymous with Italian Pinot Grigio. The perfect accompaniment to any spring evening.

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Expert Reviews

91 Points

Jeni Port - Halliday Wine Companion, 26 July 2022

(2021 Vintage)

“Retains its intrinsic grigio-ness while also packing plenty of flavour and savoury impact. Aromatic spice livens up the bouquet with preserved lemon, Nashi pear and spiced apple. Dusty lemon curd and mandarin skin bring added depth to this charming grigio before finishing lemony crisp and fresh.”

Huon Hooke - The Real Review 5 February 2022

(2021 Vintage)

"Very light straw-yellow hue. Dry grass, dried herb aromas, straightforward and light, with a fruity but dry taste and plain but pleasant flavour."

Jane Faulkner - Halliday Wine Companion, 13 August 2021

(2019 Vintage)

"Citrus blossom, lemon salts sprinkled with thyme plus ripe pears. Pleasing and easy across the palate with soft acidity and a gentle sway."

Jane Faulkner - Halliday Wine Companion, 1 August 2019

(2018 Vintage)

"A faint blush with just the right amount of spicy pear and peppery radish to keep one's interest."

90 Points

James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion, 1 August 2018

(2017 vintage)

"Pale pink; there’s far more happening here than in most gris, its grapes sourced from matured vines in the King and Alpine Valleys."

Richard Crowley - Wine Time, 5 April 2018

(2016 vintage)

"The pinot grigio uses cool-climate fruit from the King Valley, its crunchiness and flavour profile standing up to plenty of great white meat dishes and autumnal salads. The hints of pear and honeysuckle on the nose finish with a crispness that is true to the heritage of this wine style." 16/20

Regan Drew - VINONOTEBOOK, 26 August 2017

(2016 vintage)

"Produced by Wine Unplugged. Winemakers are Nina Stocker and Callie Jemmeson. Sister wine to The Cloak.

Very light onion skin colour. Waxy nose of soaps, pear skins, ginger root and lemon zest. Zippy line dances through a firm, textural body. Tosses its hair back with casual affectation. Plenty of ginger spice to keep things over and above the usual fleshy pear. Good varietal expression with attractive packaging. Good value."