Da Vinci Pinot Grigio

Da Vinci Pinot Grigio is a 750ml Italian white wine from the Delle Venezie region bottled at 12.5% ABV. A Silver medal winner at the San Diego International Wine Competition for both its 2019 and 2020 vintages, this bottling distinguishes itself from standard Pinot Grigio by incorporating 10% Chardonnay surmaturo grapes—fruit left on the vine past initial harvest—to build a riper, creamier profile than the category norm.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Delle Venezie, Italy (Alto-Adige & Trentino)  |  Varietal: 90% Pinot Grigio, 10% Chardonnay Surmaturo  |  Producer: Cantine Leonardo da Vinci

Production & Heritage

Cantine Leonardo da Vinci is a growers' cooperative comprising over 200 members who cultivate roughly 1,236 acres in Vinci, Tuscany—the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci himself. While the cooperative is rooted in Tuscany, this Pinot Grigio sources fruit from the Alto-Adige and Trentino districts within the Delle Venezie appellation, Italy's premier corridor for the variety. The grapes undergo soft pressing to minimize tannin extraction, followed by fermentation and aging on fine yeast lees to develop body and texture. Cold stabilization and filtration precede bottling. The inclusion of 10% Chardonnay surmaturo grapes—harvested later than the primary crop to concentrate sugars and flavor compounds—intensifies tropical fruit characteristics and lends a creamier mouthfeel uncommon in wines at this price tier.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Delicate white floral notes open the bouquet, followed by ripe green apple and a subtle citrus lift. Hints of pear blossom and tropical fruit emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bright and clean, led by crisp Granny Smith apple and lemon zest. At mid-palate, the surmaturo Chardonnay makes its presence known with riper tropical fruit tones—think pineapple and white peach—that build toward a medium-bodied peak. A thread of minerality keeps the sweetness of fruit in check and gives the wine structure.

Finish: Clean and moderately long, with vibrant acidity carrying lingering mineral and citrus pith notes. The finish stays refreshing without turning lean, a sign of the lees aging adding just enough weight.

How to Drink Da Vinci Pinot Grigio

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, to let the floral aromatics and acidity shine. This is a versatile wine for mixing as well. In a White Wine Spritzer, its citrus backbone holds up against soda water and a lemon twist. It works beautifully in a Hugo Spritz, where its floral notes complement elderflower liqueur and fresh mint. Try it in an Aperol Spritz variation in place of Prosecco—the Chardonnay component adds body that stands up to the bitter orange of Aperol.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want something refreshing but not one-dimensional
• Bringing to a summer gathering or outdoor dinner party as a crowd-pleasing pour
• Introducing someone to Italian Pinot Grigio beyond the most basic offerings
• Pairing with a light seafood lunch on the patio

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Da Vinci Pinot Grigio taste like? It leads with crisp green apple and citrus, then opens into riper tropical fruit and a hint of minerality on the finish. The 10% surmaturo Chardonnay adds a slightly creamier texture than most straight Pinot Grigios.

How does Da Vinci Pinot Grigio compare to Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio? Santa Margherita is a 100% Pinot Grigio that tends toward a leaner, more mineral-driven profile, while Da Vinci's 10% surmaturo Chardonnay component delivers noticeably more body and tropical fruit richness. Da Vinci typically sits at a lower price point, making it a strong value alternative.

Is Da Vinci Pinot Grigio good for sipping on its own? Yes—its balanced acidity and medium body make it an easy standalone sipper, especially when well chilled. The lees aging gives it enough texture to hold interest without food.

Where is Da Vinci Pinot Grigio made? It is produced by Cantine Leonardo da Vinci, a cooperative based in Vinci, Tuscany, using Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Alto-Adige and Trentino districts in Italy's Delle Venezie appellation.

What foods pair well with Da Vinci Pinot Grigio? Grilled shrimp or calamari benefit from the wine's acidity cutting through the char. Light pasta dishes with pesto or lemon-butter sauce match its citrus and herbal tones. Soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella or burrata complement the creamy mouthfeel. A simple arugula salad with shaved Parmigiano and lemon vinaigrette echoes the wine's minerality and brightness.

What sizes does Da Vinci Pinot Grigio come in? Da Vinci Pinot Grigio is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Da Vinci Pinot Grigio worth the price? It positions as a mid-value Italian white that punches above its weight thanks to the surmaturo Chardonnay blending technique, lees aging, and consistent competition medals—a strong choice for drinkers who want more complexity than entry-level Pinot Grigio without jumping to a premium price tier.

Why Da Vinci Pinot Grigio?

The real differentiator here is the 10% surmaturo Chardonnay—late-harvested fruit that adds concentration, tropical character, and a creamier texture you simply don't find in most Pinot Grigios at this level. Back-to-back Silver medals at the San Diego International Wine Competition confirm the consistency across vintages. The cooperative model, drawing on over 200 growers across more than 1,200 acres, gives winemakers access to a wide selection of fruit lots to maintain quality year after year. For anyone who finds standard Pinot Grigio too thin or neutral, this bottling provides genuine complexity without asking you to change categories entirely.