The 2010 Pinot Grigio shows most of its charms in an up-front, juicy expression of peaches, apricots and yellow stone fruits. This is one of the rounder 2010s here, with less minerality and salinity than the finest wines in the collection. The Pinot Grigio was aged 60% in steel and 40% in a Stockinger oak cask. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. In just a few years this small, family-run estate in the Valle Isarco has established itself as one of the top wineries in Italy. The Kerschbaumer family used to sell their grapes the nearby Abbazia di Novacella, (which is visible from their property) but now bottle on their own. Proprietor Gunther Kerschbaumer makes wines that are on the rich side for the appellation. He favors aging on the lees although the malos are blocked. A number of the wines are partially aged in oak or acacia casks. The 2010 harvest took place the first week of October, later than normal by recent historical standards.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: De Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

The 2009 Pinot Grigio is a gorgeous, steely white blessed with notable purity and inner perfume, not to mention fabulous overall balance. In 2009 the Pinot Grigio is a touch richer than is often the case, but this remains a quintessentially Alto Atesino wine of pure breed and class. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Kofererhof is one of the jewels in Italian oenology today. These brilliant, pure whites capture the essence of the Isarco Valley, Italy’s most northerly appellation. In short, I can’t recommend these wines highly enough.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

The 2008 Pinot Grigio is an impeccably round, harmonious white endowed with gorgeous layers of perfumed fruit and a long, inviting finish. This is first-class Pinot Grigio with a distinctly Alto Adige accent. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. Kofererhof is located in Valle Isarco, one of the most privileged spots in Alto Adige for intensely focused, mineral-driven whites. Proprietor Gunther Kerschbaumer began estate-bottling his own wines with the 1995 vintage, and since then Kofererhof has emerged as one of Italy’s most exciting properties. Unfortunately only a few of the 2008s were in bottle as we went to press, but I hope to be able to taste the rest of the estate’s current releases in the near future.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

The 2006 Pinot Grigio exhibits gorgeous aromatics and a sweet core of fruit supported by a persistent vein of minerality. Made in a full-bodied style, this richly-flavored Pinot Grigio is sure to offer much pleasure over the next year or two. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2009. I was delighted to discover the wines of Kofererhof during a trip to the region last year. The estate is located in the Valle Isarco. Up until a few years ago Kofererhof sold its fruit to the nearby Abbazia di Novacella. The estate manages just under six hectares of vineyards, all of which are planted to high densities. Most of the wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel although a small portion of the Sylvaner and Pinot Grigio are aged in mid-size casks. These are richly, structured, concentrated wines packed with personality. They also offer outstanding quality for the money. The current vintage is 2006 but I also include notes on a few 2005s I was able to taste.Importer: A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411