A Taste of Friuli: Exploring Cala Bennati’s Pinot Grigio Renaissance

Few things evoke the timeless allure of Italian wine culture like an elegant Pinot Grigio. Crisp yet comforting, refined yet versatile—this celebrated varietal has long graced the tables of connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. Today, a new chapter unfolds in this storied category, led by the Bennati family’s latest release: Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio. Crafted at Tenuta Villanova—Friuli Venezia Giulia’s longest-lived wine estate, founded in 1499—this bottle exemplifies the modern face of accessible luxury, bridging five centuries of tradition with today’s global palate.

In keeping with their storied lineage, the Bennati family has infused Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio with their signature devotion to craftsmanship and a forward-thinking ethos. From the sunlit Collio hills to the Isonzo river’s alluvial soils, the wine’s origins are imbued with a remarkable sense of place. Yet beyond its impressive heritage, this Pinot Grigio offers a profile as engaging and effortless as a stroll through a Venetian piazza.

At the heart of this wine is Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region internationally renowned for producing some of Italy’s most vibrant white wines. Tenuta Villanova stretches across 180 hectares where pebbly, mineral-rich soils meet gentle rolling hills and crisp alpine breezes. These conditions create an ideal environment for Pinot Grigio grapes—delicate clusters that thrive in the cooler nights and warm days.

While many wine estates boast historical appeal, few can claim longevity like Tenuta Villanova, established in the late fifteenth century. Over the centuries, generation after generation of the Bennati family has maintained a steadfast commitment to sustainable farming, balanced viticulture, and meticulous cellar practices. Their approach respects the land as much as the fruit, ensuring future custodians will inherit the same abundant terroir.

The Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio in your glass is more than an homage to Italian heritage; it is a study in meticulous craftsmanship. A handful of elements make this vintage distinctive:

Hand-Selected Grapes:

• Only premium Pinot Grigio clusters are chosen, ensuring a pure, focused expression of the varietal.

Alluvial Soils:

• Deposits from the Quaternary era, shaped by glacial movements and ancient river pathways, imbue the grapes with nuanced minerality.

Stainless Steel Fermentation:

• Following gentle pressing, the juice ages six months on the lees in temperature-controlled tanks, preserving vibrancy while adding a rounder mouthfeel.

Eco-Conscious Methods:

• From the vineyard rows to the final bottling, the Bennati family employs sustainable practices that protect biodiversity, uphold water conservation, and minimize chemical interventions.

This dedication to quality and responsibility manifests in every sip. Straw yellow in color, the wine offers an inviting bouquet of white and yellow flowers, while on the palate it remains soft, full, and fragrant, a direct result of that patient lees aging. Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio deftly balances freshness and weight—an ideal companion to a variety of cuisines, from rustic Italian fare to creative international dishes.

My own rendezvous with Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio happened recently during a relaxed family dinner. We served cedar-plank grilled salmon and a bright, seasonal salad—an unassuming pairing that proved truly memorable. The salmon’s smoky richness provided a sumptuous counterpoint to the wine’s crisp acidity, while the herb-laced salad highlighted the Pinot Grigio’s delicate floral notes.

The interplay of flavors underscored the wine’s signature charm: a lightly perfumed nose transitioning into an elegantly supple mid-palate, all carried by a subtle thread of minerality. Sips between bites of salmon revealed hints of orchard fruit—peach and pear—underpinned by whispers of white blossom. Each element felt perfectly in balance, a testament to Cala Bennati’s approach of minimal intervention and maximum terroir expression.

One of the most appealing facets of Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio is its ability to transcend typical “special occasion” constraints. This is a wine that retains a sense of everyday elegance, aligning with the Bennati family’s conviction that wine should celebrate life’s joyous moments—big and small. They call it “the joy of living,” a nod to Italy’s famed La Dolce Vita.

That sentiment resonates in the approachable price point as well. While the wine pays homage to a centuries-old estate and involves carefully curated methods, it remains refreshingly inclusive. Discerning drinkers can appreciate its fine craftsmanship, while those newer to the world of Pinot Grigio can explore its flavors without hesitation.

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Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio excels in more than one pairing scenario. Cedar-planked salmon, of course, but also consider an elegant seafood risotto brightened with lemon zest, or even lightly fried calamari with a scattering of fresh herbs. The wine’s gentle floral bouquet and soft acidity can carry an impressive range of dishes:

1. Creamy Pastas – Its fresh finish cuts through richness, striking a delicious harmony.

2. Seasonal Greens & Salads – The wine’s fragrant undertones elevate delicate vegetables.

3. Chicken, Turkey, or Pork – Especially when roasted with citrus and aromatic spices.

For adventurous palates, try an unexpected match like Southeast Asian salads or sushi; the subtle fruit essence and hint of minerality can complement even spicier cuisines.

Guiding Cala Bennati Wines is Gregory Bennati, great-grandson of the original vineyard owner, who marries his entrepreneurial eye with time-tested expertise. His vision is firmly anchored in authenticity—celebrating the estate’s heritage while crafting wines that appeal to a modern, global audience. Through strategic vineyard planning, an unwavering focus on eco-friendly techniques, and a keen sense for consumer trends, Bennati ensures the future of this historic label remains bright.

Meanwhile, the broader wine world has taken notice of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s rising star. Industry insiders are lauding the region’s Pinot Grigio for the way it combines crisp citrus energy with layered texture—an antidote to overly simple whites from lesser terroirs. In other words, Friuli has become a prime destination for those seeking an elevated wine experience, and Cala Bennati is right at the forefront.

Learn More About Greg Bennati’s Story

In a global market bustling with new labels, reinventions, and fleeting fads, Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio stands out through its timeless sensibilities. It’s a bottle that honors tradition yet remains undeniably of the present moment. There’s a refined ease to its flavors, a gracious nod to both its storied past and the ever-evolving palate of modern drinkers.

Whether you’re gathering with family for a cozy meal, or planning an alfresco soirée with friends, this Pinot Grigio adapts with effortless poise. Serve it well-chilled—around 55°F, as recommended—to let its floral and fruit nuances shine. Offer it alongside light appetizers or bolder entrées, confident in the knowledge that it carries a bright acidity and plush texture to please a spectrum of tastes.

Perhaps the true marker of this wine’s success is how naturally it weaves into the tapestry of everyday life, infusing ordinary moments with a dash of Venetian magic. After all, that’s the very promise of Friuli’s ancient soil and the Bennati family’s legacy: to bring a heartfelt, authentic piece of Italy to every table. May your next sip—like my own memorable evening of salmon and salad—remind you of wine’s power to elevate life’s simplest pleasures.

Raise your glass, and let your palate travel to Friuli Venezia Giulia, where centuries of winemaking tradition meet the dreams of a new generation. With Cala Bennati Pinot Grigio, you can experience that delicate intersection of heritage and innovation—one that promises not just a taste of Italy, but a truly transcendent moment worth savoring.

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