Da Vinci Pinot Grigio
Da Vinci Pinot Grigio is a 750mL Italian white wine (12.5% ABV, US import) that stands apart from typical Pinot Grigio: 90% Pinot Grigio blended with about 10% Chardonnay picked "surmaturo" — left on the vine past the first harvest for extra concentration and a creamier mouthfeel. The fruit comes from the Alto-Adige and Trentino districts of the Delle Venezie region, and the producer is Cantine Leonardo da Vinci, a growers' cooperative of 200+ member families based in Vinci, Tuscany, founded in 1961. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 12.5% (US import; one EU listing shows 12%)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: 90% Pinot Grigio + ~10% Chardonnay "surmaturo" (late-picked)
- Origin: Alto-Adige/Trentino, Delle Venezie, Italy — Cantine Leonardo da Vinci, Vinci, Tuscany (est. 1961)
- Winemaking: soft pressing, lees aging, cold stabilization
Not Your Typical Pinot Grigio
Most Pinot Grigio is made to be light and neutral; Da Vinci's version has a little more going on. The "surmaturo" Chardonnay — grapes left hanging for added ripeness and texture — gives the wine a rounder, almost creamy middle, while the cool-climate Alto-Adige fruit keeps it fresh and citrusy. Soft pressing extracts minimal tannin and color, and time on fine yeast lees adds subtle bread-dough complexity. See the Cantine Leonardo da Vinci collection and the white wines at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Pale straw with green reflections. Aromas of white flowers, citrus, and green apple with a hint of honeyed ripeness from the late-picked Chardonnay. The palate is fresh and lively up front, then turns softly creamy mid-palate, finishing clean and mineral.
How to Enjoy
Chill well and serve as an aperitif or with light fare — grilled shrimp, sushi, goat-cheese salads, or a simple Margherita pizza. It is an easy crowd-pleaser at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Da Vinci Pinot Grigio made?
The fruit is grown in Alto-Adige and Trentino (Delle Venezie, northern Italy); the producer cooperative is based in Vinci, Tuscany.
What does "surmaturo" mean?
Grapes left on the vine past the initial harvest for greater concentration and a creamier mouthfeel — here, about 10% Chardonnay picked late.
Is Da Vinci Pinot Grigio sweet or dry?
Dry — fresh and citrusy, with the Chardonnay adding texture rather than sweetness.
An Italian table staple — order Da Vinci Pinot Grigio online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.