When you’re in my line of work, meeting wine industry celebrities is par for the course. And while it may be the congenial nature of the business, I’ve found that almost all are gracious and accommodating especially when you get them one on one.
Gina Gallo certainly proved my point when I had lunch with her in Halifax last week. In town for the Port of Wines Festival, the granddaughter of Julio Gallo and the public face of the Californian wine giant that is E & J Gallo Wines was happy to share stories of her family’s decades in the wine industry and her love of chardonnay.
A respected winemaker in her own right, Gallo feels the next big thing in white wine is a rediscovery of the versatility of chardonnay. On the red side she thinks the drinkability of pinot noir will finally gain the grape the mainstream audience it deserves.
With such a huge portfolio, the availability of Gallo wines across the country varies dramatically. The Gallo Family Vineyards line offers killer value with the 2007 California Pinot Grigio ($7.95 – $11.29) a crisp, refreshing, fish-friendly white with a light tropical vibe of peach, grapefruit and lime.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces. Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and traveling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.
