Welcome to the world of Casa Paladin, where the land meets the passion. The Casa Paladin group of estates began in 1962, when patriarch Valentino Paladin founded his first winery: Paladin Vigne e Vini. A commitment to achieve excellence drives the Paladin family to make wine choices that enhance the natural characteristics of the terroir. Their four properties, from Veneto to Lombardy to Tuscany, Paladin features Italian lands that offer precious wine-making treasures. Each region is cultivated with respect to tradition.

Today, the third generation of the Paladin family operates with the same passion Valentino brought to the land.

The Origin of Skin Contact Pinot Grigio

The practice of skin contact winemaking, also known as maceration, is far from new. In fact, it dates back thousands of years to the ancient winemaking traditions of the Republic of Georgia, where amphorae (clay vessels) were used to ferment and store wine with grape skins, seeds, and stems. This technique imparts a unique flavor profile and texture to the resulting wine.

While skin contact winemaking has ancient origins, its application to Pinot Grigio is a more recent development. It is believed to have emerged in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy in the 1990s. Here, a small group of innovative winemakers began experimenting with extended skin contact for Pinot Grigio, deviating from the conventional white winemaking methods that involve minimal contact with grape skins.

Skin contact Pinot Grigio offers a sensory experience that sets it apart from its white counterpart. Here are some distinctive characteristics of this intriguing wine:

Color: The most obvious difference is its striking amber or orange hue, a result of prolonged skin contact during fermentation.

Aromatics:  Skin contact Pinot Grigio often exhibits complex aromas of dried fruits, flowers, spice, and tea leaves, in addition to the fruitiness associated with traditional Pinot Grigio.

Texture: The extended skin contact imparts tannins and a fuller mouthfeel, giving the wine a more robust and structured character.

Flavor Profile: Skin contact Pinot Grigio can showcase flavors reminiscent of apricots, honey, nuts, and exotic spices, offering a rich and layered palate experience. 

Bosco del Merlo Skin Contact Pinot Grigio

The name “Bosco del Merlo” is derived from local topographical maps which refer to the oak forests that once covered the area. The vineyards are situated between western Friuli and eastern Veneto, between the ancient Roman consular roads of Via Annia and Via Postumia, dating back to the early centuries after Christ. Bosco del Merlo wines are born, rich in aromas and passion, from tenacious soils and people who have in their hearts the ability to listen the nature.

• 100% Pinot Grigio
• Elegant & easy
• Aromas of Williams pear, dried flowers, wild strawberry

• Sustainable Practicing, Vegan

• Great as aperitif, or with salmon sashimi, raw & grilled oysters, ceviche

Paladin Skin Contact Pinot Grigio

Paladin Vigne e Vini is the first winery of the whole Casa Paladin group, it’s a family owned estate founded by our father in 1962, in Motta di Livenza, near Treviso. It’s located at the boundaries of the Venetian land where we moved in the mid-70s, in Annone Veneto, a historic village located in the Roman Postumia road.

Learn More about Life in Rose Project

The Life in Rosè project (#lifeinrose) stems from Bosco del Merlo’s commitment in supporting the prevention and fight against breast cancer, donating part of the proceeds from the sales of its two pink wines to LILT (Lega Italiana per la Lotta Contro i Tumori) in Treviso.

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