Pinot Grigio Alpha Zeta 2011 is vibrant yellow in aspect, with a nose of spiced pear, peach and apricot, leading to a vibrant, refreshing palate of ripe green fruit, underlying minerality and garden spice. Good acidity and excellent length, pair with salads, chicken or fish.

Alpha Zeta was established with winemaker Matt Thompson in 1999. The original aim was quite simple: to produce mid-priced Veronese wines using fruit from selected vineyards rather than by buying and blending bulk wine from the various co-operatives.

Over the years, Matt has developed a great relationship with a series of growers, and has convinced them to lower yields and pick later. This has resulted in riper and more flavoursome grapes.

The grapes for these wines are sourced from vineyards in the Valpantena and Monteforte d'Alpone valleys, both of which are to the east of Verona. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, it is then Matt's job to ensure that these flavours are retained in the finished wine, and this he does admirably.

These are modern, innovative wines that express the real quality inherent in Veronese viniculture.