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Apolloni Vineyards 2021 Pinot Grigio
A Tuscan sun in Oregon
You can take the boy out of Italy, but you can’t take Italy out of the boy. A first-generation American, Alfredo Apolloni spent his childhood summers on the vineyard in Italy that had been in his family for over 150 years.
With wine in his blood, Alfredo knew he wanted to raise his children on a vineyard. So, after traveling the world and building a successful engineering career, he and Laurine bought land in Forest Grove in 1999 and planted grapes.
Why Forest Grove? Because the climate reminded him of his family’s vineyard south of Venice, on the Adriatic Coast — and he wanted his kids to have similar experiences.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, the Apolloni estate is LIVE Certified, including a geothermal barrel cave built deep into a hillside.
Alfredo works with winemaker Kevin Green to produce wines in an Italian style, albeit with Northwest influences. On the estate, they grow Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay – and source bolder red wines from warmer, drier vineyards in the Columbia Valley that produce big Italian-style reds with character and heft.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Apolloni Vineyards, Forest Grove, Oregon
2021 Pinot Grigio
What’s the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio? Nothing! But with their Italian roots, the folks at Apolloni chose to call their iconic white wine the Italian term—Pinot Grigio.
This is a wonderful example of how Pinot Gris should be – bright, crisp and refreshing. Perfect on a hot summer day. Fermented entirely in stainless steel with organically-farmed grapes, from their certified sustainable vineyard in the Tualatin Hills AVA, this is everything a good Pinot Gris should be.
The nose is full of honeydew melon and jasmine and it reminds me of the best summer days. On the palate, you’ll taste zesty lemon with orange blossom. This wine would go well with pesto, light pastas, and seafood — exactly what you’d find in Alfredo Apolloni’s home region on the Adriatic Coast.
A Cellar 503 selection in August 2022, Italian Varietals Tualatin Hills | Pinot Gris
