Santa Rita 120 Pinot Grigio

Santa Rita 120 Pinot Grigio is a Chilean white wine made from Pinot Gris grapes grown in the Central Valley, bottled at 11.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 120 range from Viña Santa Rita has earned 16 Wine Enthusiast Best Buy designations since 2017, and the winery itself was voted one of the World's Most Admired Wine Brands for the eighth consecutive time in 2020 by Drinks International.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.8%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: Pinot Gris  |  Winery: Viña Santa Rita

Production & Heritage

Viña Santa Rita was founded in 1880 in Chile's Alto Jahuel and has grown into one of the country's most recognized wine producers. The 120 line takes its name from the 120 Chilean patriots sheltered at the estate during the Chilean War of Independence in 1814 — a story deeply tied to the winery's identity. This Pinot Grigio sources fruit from the Central Valley, Chile's broad, sun-drenched viticultural corridor, and is designed as a bright, fruit-forward everyday white that showcases the variety's clean character in a warm-climate context.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh, fruity aromas of ripe pear and green apple, layered with brighter notes of citrus fruit. A clean, inviting bouquet that remains light and uncomplicated.

Taste: On entry, crisp citrus and green apple lead the way, moving into riper stone-fruit flavors at mid-palate. A subtle hint of vanilla emerges alongside balanced acidity, lending the wine a smooth, mineral-tinged structure that avoids heaviness.

Finish: The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus peel and a faint mineral note. It closes briskly, making each sip feel bright and easy to return to.

How to Drink 120 Pinot Grigio

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F (7–10°C), to preserve its crispness and fruit clarity. This wine works well on its own as an aperitif or alongside food. Try it in a White Wine Spritzer — its clean acidity and citrus notes shine with a splash of soda and a lemon twist. It also performs nicely in a Hugo Spritz, where its pear and apple character complements elderflower liqueur and fresh mint. For a simple warm-weather option, use it in a Wine Cooler with fresh peach slices and sparkling water.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners calling for an easy-drinking white
• Summer patio gatherings or outdoor entertaining
• Introducing wine newcomers to the Pinot Grigio grape
• Light lunches or brunch settings where a refreshing pour is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 120 Pinot Grigio taste like? It delivers a light, fruit-driven profile dominated by green apple, ripe citrus, and stone fruit with balanced acidity and a clean mineral finish. A subtle vanilla nuance adds gentle complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

How does 120 Pinot Grigio compare to Casillero del Diablo Pinot Grigio? Both are Chilean value-tier Pinot Grigios from major producers in the Central Valley, though the Santa Rita 120 expression tends to lean slightly more toward green apple and mineral notes. Casillero del Diablo, produced by Concha y Toro, positions at a similar price point, so the choice often comes down to preference between their respective house styles.

Is 120 Pinot Grigio good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit flavors, modest 11.8% ABV, and gentle acidity make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring white wine or the Pinot Grigio variety specifically.

Where is 120 Pinot Grigio made? It is produced by Viña Santa Rita, a historic Chilean winery founded in 1880 in Alto Jahuel, using Pinot Gris grapes sourced from Chile's Central Valley — one of the country's most prolific winemaking regions.

What foods pair well with 120 Pinot Grigio? Grilled white fish or shrimp tacos benefit from the wine's crisp acidity. Light pasta dishes with olive oil or lemon-butter sauce complement its citrus notes. A fresh Caprese salad works well with the wine's clean fruit. Mild soft cheeses such as fresh mozzarella or young goat cheese match its delicate weight. Chicken Caesar salad pairs naturally without overpowering the wine.

What sizes does 120 Pinot Grigio come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for the 120 range.

Is 120 Pinot Grigio worth the price? The 120 Pinot Grigio positions firmly as an entry-level, everyday white wine, and it delivers consistent quality at that tier. With 16 Best Buy nods from Wine Enthusiast across the 120 portfolio since 2017, the range has a strong track record for value.

Why 120 Pinot Grigio?

The 120 line exists at the intersection of heritage and accessibility — backed by a winery with over 140 years of Chilean viticulture experience and recognized repeatedly among the world's most admired wine brands. This Pinot Grigio offers a clean, fruit-forward interpretation of the grape shaped by Central Valley sunshine, delivering enough character to remain interesting while staying firmly in the refreshing, easy-drinking lane. The consistent Best Buy recognition across the 120 portfolio by Wine Enthusiast underscores that this is a range built on reliable quality at an approachable price point. For anyone seeking a dependable Chilean white that performs well chilled on its own or at the table, this is a straightforward choice.