Kirkland Signature 2011 Pinot Grigio

My parents take full credit for introducing me to wine.  While other young adults my age were out drinking PBR and Budweiser at college parties, I was sitting on the screened in porch with them, sipping on white zinfandel.  

So the other day, I told my mom and dad about my recent interest in starting a wine blog, and they were more than happy to help contribute with some selections from their wine cellar... er, um basement...

Kirkland Signature Pinot Grigio

Costco

$7.99 (or so I'm told)

Now I was fairly unfamiliar with what an Italian Pinot Grigio is supposed to taste like.  This wine gave me a pretty good lesson in the basics.

The wine is very pale, almost to the point of being completely clear.  There was a lot of citrus on the nose with hints of green apple.  The taste was very light and crisp with flavors of pineapple, peaches, and distinct mineral undertones.  While I couldn't begin to explain what 'minerals' taste like, it's unmistakable in this Pinot Grigio.  The acidity is noticeable but it's well balanced.  The finish was soft and lingering.  We drank this with a meal of grilled garlic basil pork chops and the flavor of the meat kind of overwhelmed the wine.  

This wine is not very complex but it's not bad.  It's just... very average.  I wouldn't whip this out if you want to impress your friends.  It's a wine that everyone can enjoy but not everyone will remember.  I probably would choose something else over this if given a choice.

SCORE: 5/10