Stella Pinot Grigio

Stella Pinot Grigio is a dry, still Italian white wine from the Delle Venezie region, bottled at 12% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This release marks a significant departure for Riboli Family Wines — it is the first still, fully dry wine under the Stella Rosa label, breaking from the brand's well-known semi-sweet, semi-sparkling portfolio.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Delle Venezie, Italy  |  Style: Dry, Still White  |  Producer: Riboli Family Wines

Production & Heritage

Riboli Family Wines, based in Los Angeles but sourcing fruit from Italy, built the Stella Rosa brand into one of the most recognized names in semi-sweet wine. This Pinot Grigio represents a deliberate pivot toward the dry wine category. Grapes are grown in the valleys near the Trentino mountains within the Delle Venezie appellation, then de-stemmed and gently whole-cluster pressed in a pneumatic press. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks under strict temperature control — kept between 16°C and 18°C for approximately 15 days — preserving the grape's delicate aromatics. The wine rests on the lees for roughly 40 days before a period of further settling ahead of bottling, adding subtle textural complexity to an otherwise lean, fruit-forward profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright green apple and ripe pear, followed by a light thread of citrus zest. Subtle floral undertones — think white blossoms — emerge as the wine opens up in the glass.

Taste: The palate entry is clean and crisp, with immediate green apple acidity giving way to juicy pear at mid-palate. A gentle hint of honey rounds out the fruit, while lime zest adds a snappy edge that keeps things focused and dry through the peak.

Finish: Medium in length with a refreshing mineral crispness. Lingering notes of citrus pith and green apple keep the finish bright and clean.

How to Drink Stella Pinot Grigio

Serve well-chilled, between 45°F and 50°F, in a standard white wine glass. This is a straightforward, food-friendly white that works best on its own or alongside light fare. For a classic Spritz, combine with a splash of sparkling water and a citrus twist for a low-effort warm-weather sipper. It also works in a Hugo Spritz, where its floral and pear notes complement elderflower liqueur beautifully. For a simple White Wine Sangria, the apple and pear character forms a natural base when paired with sliced stone fruit and fresh mint.

Best For

• Introducing Stella Rosa fans to dry wine styles
• Casual weeknight dinners with seafood or salads
• Warm-weather patio drinking and outdoor gatherings
• Stocking an approachable house white for entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Pinot Grigio taste like? Stella Pinot Grigio is a crisp, dry white dominated by green apple, pear, and citrus flavors with a touch of honey sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish.

How does Stella Pinot Grigio compare to Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio? Both are Pinot Grigios from northeastern Italy's Delle Venezie zone, but Santa Margherita is a well-established benchmark in the dry Pinot Grigio category at a higher price point. Stella Pinot Grigio positions as a more affordable alternative with a similarly fruit-forward, crisp profile, though it may carry slightly more overt pear and honey character.

Is Stella Pinot Grigio good for beginners? Yes — its clean fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and approachable price point make it an easy entry into the dry Italian white wine category, especially for drinkers transitioning from sweeter Stella Rosa wines.

Where is Stella Pinot Grigio made? It is produced in the Delle Venezie appellation of northeastern Italy, with grapes sourced from vineyards in the valleys near the Trentino mountains. The wine is made under the Stella Rosa label, owned by the Riboli Family Wines of Los Angeles.

What foods pair well with Stella Pinot Grigio? Grilled shrimp or branzino, where the wine's acidity cuts through the char. Light pasta with lemon and olive oil, complementing the citrus notes. Fresh caprese salad, with the crisp apple character balancing creamy mozzarella. Chicken piccata, where the wine's lime zest edge mirrors the capers and lemon in the dish. Asian-inspired salads with a citrus vinaigrette also pair naturally.

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

Is Stella Pinot Grigio worth the price? Stella Pinot Grigio positions as an entry-level Italian Pinot Grigio that delivers clean varietal character at a price well below benchmark competitors like Santa Margherita, making it a solid everyday value.

Why Stella Pinot Grigio?

The most interesting thing about this wine is its context: it is Riboli Family Wines' first foray into dry, still winemaking under the Stella Rosa umbrella, a brand built almost entirely on semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wines. That makes it a genuine category pivot rather than a line extension. The extended lees contact of approximately 40 days adds a layer of textural weight unusual at this price tier, giving the wine a slightly rounder mouthfeel than many lean, stripped-down Pinot Grigios. For drinkers who already know and trust Stella Rosa's quality-to-price ratio, this dry expression offers a natural next step without venturing into unfamiliar territory.