A Pinot Grigio with Extras....

As it gets warmer here in North Texas, our palate turns to lighter wines. (You'll see me post soon on my new-found affair with Sauvignon Blanc.) But not to wimpy ones. Pinot Grigio is fine...for an insipid garden party. But the Life Should Be Beautiful way calls for wines to be light...but with a bit of oomph.

Here's one that fits the bill. Masi Masianco. I first was introduced to Masi when I bought a bottle of their Campofiorin. (I was using it as a poor man's substitute for Amarone della Valpolicella at a wine dinner I was hosting. The small amount of dried grapes Masi uses in their blend helps approximate the tastes of the far more expensive Amarone. Google "Amarone" for more info on this great wine.)

Masianco is primarily Pinot Grigio, so it has all the fresh, bright acidity we associate with this wonderfully bracing Italian white. But Masi includes 25% Verduzzo grapes in the blend as well. The Verduzzo brings all of its floral and honeyed power to the wine, making it truly a Pinot Grigio with power.

It's perfect with fresh oysters or cocktail shrimp, but also strong enough to stand up to other simply-prepared seafood dishes. At less than $12 a bottle, it's definitely worth a try.