INSIDER'S PICK: 2018 CANTINA TERLANO PINOT BIANCO 'TRADITION' (Wine Advocate 91+pts) $23.99

Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We are also doing both a white and a red option each week, with the white wine available for the discount on Thursday and Friday, while the red wine available on Friday and Saturday. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.

In most winegrowing regions, Pinot Bianco (aka Weissburgunder in some parts of the world) primarily an everyday workhorse varietal, making fresh and clean wines that aren't as overt or showy as others. The Alto Adige is one of the few places where it achieves its greatest potential, and even though the Pinot Grigio and Gewurztraminer is more 'known', Pinot Bianco just may produce the region's finest wines. We have carried several different excellent examples over the years, but the Cantina Terlano cooperative definitely push it to the very top. Their Riserva 'Vorberg' is considered among the best single varietal versions of Pinot Bianco in the world, and the winery's two top white blends that feature it are considered among the best white wines from the region every vintage. This is their 'basic' offering, but will still provide an experience that will open more than a few eyes. Cool vibrant aromas of pear and stone fruits, reserved at first but gaining intensity and some pulpier notes over some time, this definitely more subtle than a Pinot Grigio but patience is rewarded. There is a nice roundness on the palate to deliver the minerality and fruit without a shred of sweetness to be found, a trick that's hard to balance in many parts of the world. Often the drier versions of Pinot Bianco can feel thin or lean, but this sacrifices nothing. An extremely unexpected pleasure, great as a sipping wine for those that like things a bit more vibrant, and great to pair with creamy fish or lighter pork dishes.

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