Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Grigio

Located in the town of Novacella in the Isarco River Valley, Abbazia was founded in 1142 by the Augustinian Order of Canons Regular. The Augustians are not monks in the sense that you may be familiar with: they have taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to their superiors; but they also work to support themselves as a part of their community. To this end, the Abbey not only grows grapes for winemaking, but also farms apples and vegetables, and there is a small school devoted primarily to studies of viticulture. The abbey’s reputation as a winery is stellar and international. In 2009, Italy’s influential Gambero Rosso named Celestino Lucin, the abbey’s enologist, Winemaker of the Year.

Wine Spectator - 90 points - "Fragrant with honeysuckle and verbena notes, this white is mineral-driven and mouthwatering, with flavors of blood orange, nectarine, lime peel and ground ginger that race along the lingering finish. Drink now through 2029."