Both wines have an SRP of $13 and can be found for as low as $10. Samples submitted for review.
Up first is the 2011 OGIO Pinot Grigio which is 100% Pinot Grigio from delle Venezie, Italy.
From the bottle:
“OGIO captures the Italian ideal of unquestionably good taste…from art and design to personal style to treating others with warmth and grace.
Citrus and melon aromas segue beautifully into a perfect balance of natural tartness and rich fruit on the palate. This medium-bodied Pinot Grigio will enhance everything from salads and seafoods to spicy ethnic foods.
12.0% Alcohol”
While an awful lot of Pinot Grigio leaves an awful lot to be desired, a fact I’ve been vocal about in the past, when it is done well I have to give it props. And today’s wine is done well.
The 2011 OGIO Pinot Grigio begins with aromas of flowers and citrus, but it’s really rather subdued which frankly had me worried that we were looking at the typical weak and lifeless Pinot Grigio. Fortunately that all changed when tasting this easy to drink wine that features lots of tangy melon and citrus and a really nice depth of flavor. It’s not very complex, but it is very good. It ends tangy and tart with good length.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.3
Recommended Buy
Next is the 2011 OGIO Tuscan Red a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from Tuscany, Italy.From the bottle:
“This is a polished Tuscan red with both fruit and spice. Perfectly balanced with a nice touch of acidity, it is exceptionally food friendly and pairs wonderfully with beef as well as pasta with meat or tomato sauces.
13.0% Alcohol”
The 2011 OGIO Tuscan Red begins with aromas of tart red fruit (cherry, raspberry and cranberry), a little spice and a touch of smoked meat. It tastes nice and easy to drink with soft tannins. Lots of tart and juicy fruit and a bright acidity help to make this one a very good food wine. Spice notes carry into the medium-long finish. Just like the Pinot Grigio this is not a very complex wine yet there’s still something quite elegant and refined about its easy drinking character and simplicity.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.3
Recommended Buy
OGIO Wines also makes a Prosecco that we did not have a chance to review; however, be sure to check out Ben Carter’s excellent Benito’s Wine Reviews site for his take on that one!
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