Venica & Venica, one of Friuli’s most respected family estates, is known for elevating traditional varieties through meticulous organic farming and precise winemaking. Jesera is not your typical Pinot Grigio—it undergoes brief skin contact, giving it a stunning copper-tinged hue and added depth. Sourced from the mineral-rich soils of the Collio region, this 2023 vintage highlights both freshness and texture, making for a Pinot Grigio with real presence.

Apricot, blood orange, and wildflowers lead on the nose, followed by hints of white tea and crushed stone. The palate is fuller than standard Pinot Grigio, with a silky texture from lees aging, balanced by bright acidity and a saline, mineral finish. This is Friulian Pinot Grigio at its finest—layered, expressive, and far more complex than the mass-market versions that gave the grape a reputation for simplicity.

Perfect with seafood risotto, grilled vegetables, or prosciutto-wrapped melon, this is a Pinot Grigio that surprises and delights. Best enjoyed slightly chilled, and capable of evolving over the next few years for added nuance.