Post Views: 27

The wine selection at Costco features a delightful range, including the highly sought-after, $40k cases of Romanée-Conti along with more affordable choices like the $13 Kirkland brand boxed wines. However, amidst these great finds, there are also some misses. In a recent evaluation of 23 popular wines to buy at Costco, taste testers at Tasting Table identified one white wine that should be avoided — the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. The critique isn’t based on poor taste, but rather something quite the opposite.

Santa Margherita is renowned for its pinot grigio, which hails from vineyards nestled at the foothills of the Italian Alps — an area our taste testers are quite fond of. Customers appreciate it for its crisp, refreshing flavor, often highlighting its perfect balance of sweetness that makes it versatile for pairing with various dishes. With delicate notes of apple and citrus, there’s little negative to say about it except for the price point.

Many customers rave about this wine, and their guests agree. It’s been claimed that, among all the options served, the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is consistently the first to disappear. Nevertheless, at $18 per bottle, our taste testers believe there are other Italian wines available at significantly better prices — a sentiment echoed by many Costco shoppers who have discovered excellent wines from the same region for less.

The Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is undeniably a favorite among wine enthusiasts. While it typically retails for around $25 per bottle at various retailers, you can find much better options at Costco that are just as delightful. Consider saving the Santa Margherita for personal enjoyment, and when hosting your next gathering, choose a bottle like the Scarpetta Pinot Grigio from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, which is known for its stunning Dolomitic Alps, priced at $16 a bottle. Alternatively, you can opt for the Castel Sallegg Pinot Grigio for just $8 from the same Italian wine region in northeastern Italy.

Many other remarkable choices abound—whether you prefer $15 bottles like the Pighin Friuli Pinot Grigio and Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio, or $10 options such as Italian Dreamer Pinot Grigio and Benvolio Pinot Grigio—the selections are plentiful. The essence is that there is an array of high-elevation, Italian Pinot Grigios available that will surely impress your guests without breaking the bank. In fact, with Costco’s pricing, you might purchase several bottles for the same cost as one Santa Margherita, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a second glass—and trust us, they will definitely appreciate it.

For more insights, check the original article on Tasting Table.