Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio

Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio is a 750ml Italian white wine from the Delle Venezie region, bottled at 12.0% ABV. Awarded 91 points by James Suckling in March 2025, this expression stands out as an Italian departure from a brand best known for its New Zealand wines, sourcing fruit from one of the world's most celebrated Pinot Grigio-growing regions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.0%  |  Origin: Delle Venezie, Italy  |  100% Pinot Grigio  |  Producer: Kim Crawford (Constellation Brands)

Production & Heritage

Kim Crawford was founded in 1996 in New Zealand and is now owned by Constellation Brands. While the label is synonymous with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, this Pinot Grigio takes a different path entirely — the grapes are grown in Italy's Delle Venezie DOC, a sprawling appellation across the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions that produces more Pinot Grigio than any other zone on earth. The wine undergoes gentle pressing followed by cool-temperature fermentation, a technique designed to lock in delicate aromatics and preserve the grape's natural freshness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean and bright from the first pour, with floral top notes giving way to cantaloupe, green melon, and lemon peel. A subtle apple blossom quality ties the aromatic profile together.

Taste: The entry is crisp and immediate, led by fresh green apple and citrus. At mid-palate, stone fruit and melon flavors emerge alongside a creamy, medium-bodied texture. Balanced acidity provides structure without sharpness, and a thread of minerality adds depth through the peak.

Finish: Smooth and moderately lingering, with mineral brightness and residual citrus keeping the close refreshing. The finish stays clean without turning lean, a hallmark of well-made Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio.

How to Drink Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio

Serve well-chilled at 45–50°F to highlight the wine's aromatic complexity and crisp acidity. This is a versatile pour that works beautifully on its own as an aperitif or alongside food. For a Spritz, combine with sparkling water and a splash of Aperol — the wine's melon and citrus notes provide a more nuanced base than prosecco. In a Hugo Spritz, its floral aromatics pair naturally with elderflower liqueur and fresh mint. For a White Wine Sangria, the stone fruit and apple character anchors summer fruits without needing excessive sweetener.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners with light pasta or seafood
• Hosting a summer patio gathering with appetizers
• Introducing someone to quality Italian Pinot Grigio
• Pairing with brunch dishes like smoked salmon or quiche

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio taste like? It delivers fresh green apple, cantaloupe, and citrus flavors with a creamy mid-palate texture and balanced acidity. The finish is smooth with a lingering mineral brightness.

How does Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio compare to Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio? Both are sourced from northeastern Italy's premier Pinot Grigio zones, but Kim Crawford tends toward a medium-bodied, fruit-forward style with creamy texture, while Santa Margherita is often described as leaner and more mineral-driven. Kim Crawford also typically sits at a lower price tier, making it a strong value alternative within Italian Pinot Grigio.

Is Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and smooth finish make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring Italian white wines or the Pinot Grigio varietal.

Where is Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio made? The wine is made from grapes grown in the Delle Venezie DOC in northeastern Italy, encompassing parts of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Kim Crawford is owned by Constellation Brands, headquartered in the United States.

What foods pair well with Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio? Grilled shrimp or scallops complement the wine's citrus and mineral notes. Light cream-based pastas like linguine with clam sauce echo its creamy texture. Fresh caprese salad works with the bright acidity, while sushi and sashimi benefit from the clean, refreshing profile. Mild cheeses like fresh mozzarella or young goat cheese round out the pairing naturally.

What sizes does Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio come in? It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio worth the price? It positions as an accessible, everyday Italian Pinot Grigio that punches above its price tier — the 91-point score from James Suckling confirms genuine quality at a value-friendly level within the category.

Why Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio?

The 91-point rating from James Suckling validates what the glass already suggests: this is a seriously well-made Italian white at an approachable price. What makes this bottling unusual is the brand's decision to go to Delle Venezie — arguably the global epicenter for Pinot Grigio — rather than attempt the varietal in New Zealand, where the rest of the Kim Crawford portfolio originates. The cool-fermentation approach preserves aromatics that many mass-market Pinot Grigios sacrifice, resulting in a wine with genuine melon, stone fruit, and floral complexity. For drinkers seeking a reliable Italian Pinot Grigio that delivers both character and value, this bottling earns its shelf space.