Robert Parker: The 2008 Pinot Grigio is a terrific example of Alto Adige Pinot Grigio at this price point. Steely, cool and reserved, the wine reveals plenty of varietal aromas and flavors in a focused style. Readers will have a very hard time finding a better Pinot Grigio for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011.

St. Michele Eppan, one of Alto Adige's most venerable properties, is also known by its Italian name, San Michele Appiano.

Wine Maker's Comments: St. Michael Eppan, the innovative Winery situated along the Wine Route, is considered one of the best wineries in South Tyrol and Italy. St. Michael Eppan Winery, with its 355 members, 350 hectares of vineyard and 2.5 million bottles sold every year, has become renowned worldwide. The "Sanct Valentin" label alone is enough to thrill wine lovers and connoisseurs.

Among all the awards won by our Winery, it is important to remember that "I Vini d'Italia" , the Gambero Rosso & Slow Food wine guide, chose St. Michael Eppan as the best "Italian winery of the year 2000". It also named Master winemaker Hans Terzer, famous oenologist and absolute forerunner as regards South Tyrolean white wines, one of the best ten Master winemakers in the world.

Our work begins in the vineyard. Climate, topography and soil comprise the natural habitat of the vines. It is our job to care of this habitat and cultivate it in the most natural and environmentally-friendly way possible.

Our land is our most important asset. Through our environmentally-friendly work in the vineyard, we maintain the biological equilibrium of the vine in a natural way.

The vegetation between the rows regulates air circulation and the water balance of the soil, promotes the formation of humus, protects against erosion and creates the ideal environment for useful insects. Where necessary, we prefer to use organic fertilizers rather than chemical ones. In fact, the biological fungicide treatment is becoming more and more popular.

Tasting Notes: St Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio is straw yellow in color with a nose of pears, apples, floral and mineral notes. It is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, good structure and rich flavors of apples, pears, peaches and citrus. The wine is well balanced to enjoy now and over the next 3-5 years. It is dry and smooth on the palate, and leaves a long, pleasing finish.more

Suggested: $15.99 On Sale $14.99 Guaranteed CT Minimum Price

Wine Enthusiast: Here's a cheerful and well-priced blend of Sangiovese (85%), Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with good density and concentration backed by aromas of spice, blackberry and wet earth. The wine (packaged in a screw cap bottle which is rare to see on red wines from Italy) is fresh and clean and imparts fresh berry flavors. M.L.

Wine Maker's Comments: Monte Antico is a proprietary label of Neil & Maria Empson. Three and a half decades of passion and experience have gone into the Empsons' tribute to the heartland of Italy. Their unique affinity to this extraordinary region has led them to make their own mark on Tuscan soil: with the Maestro of Italian winemakers, Franco Bernabei, they have styled the Tuscan grape per eccellenza and expressed its ultimate potential, complementing it with minor percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Monte Antico (which, incidentally, means "ancient mountain") comes from choice hillside vineyards on diverse soils � compact, very fine-textured limestone, at an altitude of 400-450 meters above sea level; the classic, clayey/calcareous, rocky galestro, also at altitudes around 400 meters; and clayey/siliceous/calcareous soil, at an altitude of 250-300 meters: a cross-section of Tuscany's best.

The finest selections are cherry-picked according to harvest conditions in the individual terroirs and microclimates. This balanced orchestration of geological diversity makes for the wine's consistent excellence.

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate � round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile with any fare from pasta or risotto, to meat, fowl and cheese.more

Reg. $15.99 On Sale $11.99 Guaranteed CT Minimum Price