06 May Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Alois Lageder 2025 Riff Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC

Pinot Grigio sometimes has the reputation for being a simple wine; I have even heard it referred to as “flavored water”. But there are plenty of examples that riff a little differently. For example, the aptly named Alois Lageder Riff Pinot Grigio is bright, fresh, and full of character, providing that this familiar grape can still surprise. And that is why the Alois Lageder 2025 Riff Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Alois Lageder

Alois Lageder is one of Alto Adige’s most respected producers, known for its commitment to sustainability, biodynamic farming, and wines that express a strong sense of place. While the estate wines are rooted in Alto Adige, the Riff project expands beyond the region, working with trusted growers in northeastern Italy. Launched in the mid-1990s, Riff was created to offer wines that are approachable and affordable while still reflecting Lageder’s focus on quality, balance, and site expression. The wines are selected and overseen by the Lageder team and produced at their Löwengang facility in Magrè.

Tasting Notes

The Riff Pinot Grigio is sourced from organically farmed vineyards across the Delle Venezie DOC. The wine is fermented and aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks, preserving its crisp profile while adding a subtle roundness. The name “Riff” comes from the German word for “reef”, referring to the ancient seabed origins of the Dolomite Alps. Today’s limestone-rich soils, formed from that ocean floor, lend a quiet mineral backbone to the wine. The nautilus shell on the label, designed as a Fibonacci spiral, reflects the natural balance and structure.This Pinot Grigio offers more than the stereotypical Pinot Grigio. Aromas of pineapple, green apple, and delicate florals lead into a palate that is crisp but not thin. There is a subtle texture from the lees aging, balanced by bright acidity and a clean, mineral-tinged, saline finish.

Food Pairing

The wine is refreshing and easy to drink, but also food-friendly. Enjoy the wine with seafood, salads, light pasta dishes, and simple appetizers. The acidity and freshness make it an easy match for a wide range of flavors, while the subtle texture allows it to hold up to light dishes.

I enjoyed the wine with friends at dinner. We first enjoyed it with Udon noodle soup. The texture of the wine matched the soup’s savoriness, and the acidity cut through the umami richness. We continued to enjoy the wine with chicken scaloppini with honey mustard and a side of green beans, and again, the wine had body and texture to match the chicken.

Where To Purchase

Imported by Dalla Terra Italian Wine & Spirits, the Riff Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC retails for a very affordable $13. This is a wine you can find in most markets and online retailers.