Santa Julia Pinot Grigio Plus 2012 750ml

Winery: Santa Julia

Varietal: Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio is fast becoming one of the most widely planted white wine grape varietals in the world, due to the fact that the wines made from it are increasing in popularity with global audiences, and the fact it has the ability to match with a wide variety of different foods. This grape varietal is notably for its color, or colors, which range from grayish blue to amber, from pink to purple depending on the climatic conditions and other such variables in the place where they are grown. Pinot Grigio grapes tend to ripen early, yet have a relatively high natural sugar content. This makes them ideal for a wide range of winery methods, and they can either be drank young and slightly sweet, or can be fermented more for extra dryness or a higher alcohol level.

Region: Cuyo

The region of Cuyo has been internationally associated with fine Argentinian wine for several decades, and has a wine history which stretches back centuries to the time of the original Spanish settlers, who sought areas in which to plant imported grape vines for sacramental wine production. The region contains several of Argentina's most renowned and widely appreciated provinces, including the Mendoza, La Rioja, San Juan and San Luis, and the mountainous nature of this arid region provides an ideal environment for vineyard cultivation. As the mighty Desaguadero River snakes its way between the Andes, it deposits plenty of important minerals in the soil, which allow grape varietals closely associated with the Argentinian wine industry – such as Malbec – to grow to a perfect level of ripeness. As such, even in the driest areas of the Cuyo region, flavorful and fruit-forward wines are produced in impressive amounts.

Country: Argentina

As the world's fifth largest producer of wine, after France, Italy, Spain and the United States, Argentina has plenty to offer the international wine market in regards to both quantity and quality. Despite this being the case for several decades now, it has only been since the end of the twentieth century that the Argentinian wine industry has really begun to up their game when it comes to the methods and techniques required to produce world class wines, which are both representative of their country and region of origin, and which stand alone as complex, interesting and delicious wines to drink. As Argentina became a serious contender in the international wine market, wineries previously concerned primarily with high volumes began to change their priorities, and formerly struggling small bodegas and independent wineries began to find success. Nowadays, well crafted wines from smaller vineyards in Argentina are being lauded as some of the finest in the world, and the country is starting to reap the benefits of its heritage, which include some very old vines, and up to four centuries of experience in wine production.