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Although Pinot Gris and Pinot
Grigio are one and the same - the styles can be
quite different. Pinot Grigio tends to be less
ripe and more lean, while Pinot Gris is
typically more full in body with developed
fruit flavors and hints of an exotic
spiciness.
The
History of Pinot Gris
A member of the ancient
Pinot family that also includes Pinot Noir and
Pinot Blanc, this grape was first mentioned in
the Middle Ages. First cultivated in Burgundy,
this grape spread to other areas of Europe,
including Italy - where it is bottled as Pinot
Grigio and has become a highly popular planting
in the Northeastern part of the country -
as well as Alsace, Germany and
Hungary.
Qualities of
the Pinot Gris Grape
You may be wondering
if that grape bunch shown up above is a mistake
- shouldn't Pinot Gris be a white grape? In
fact, it's known as 'Gris/Grigio', both
translating to gray because its color isn't in
fact quite white. Some bunches can
be blue-grey to brownish pink.
Early-maturing, the grapes can reach high sugar
levels earlier than most other varieties, so do
best in cooler climates.
Pinot Gris Wine
Characteristics
Body: medium to
full
Acidity: medium to
high
Flavors: reminiscent
of stone fruits, such as apple and pear, as
well as more tropical notes including melon;
Italian 'Grigio' bottlings may show more
austere mineral and citrus
notes
Regions Where Pinot
Gris is Grown
- In France's Alsace region
primarily, although there are also plantings
in the Loire Valley
- In Germany around Baden and Palatine, as
well as Hungary
- In
northeastern Italy's Alto Adige and
Friuli–Venezia Giulia appellations
- Oregon's Willamette Valley in the U.S. as
well as smaller plantings throughout
California
Pinot Gris Fast
Facts
-Bottled under a wide
variety of regional varietal names, the most
common are: Pinot Grigio (Italy), Auxerrois
gris (Alsace), Malvoisie (Loire/Switzerland),
Grauburgunder (Germany/Austria)
- In the U.S. and New World,
generally bottled as Pinot Gris although some
producers use the Italian Pinot Grigio name as
well
- Famous Producers: Trimbach, Hugel, Zind
Humbrecht, King Estate
- Usually best drunk young, some finer
bottlings can age 10-15 years
Pinot Gris Wine
& Food Pairing
- The richer Pinot Gris
style can fare well with cream-based sauces and
softer cheeses. The lighter Pinot Grigio style
is nice with seafood and
shellfish.
-
Easy Food and Wine pairings with Pinot
Grigio / Pinot Gris:
Pesto Pasta Primavera
with Yellow
Squash
Here are some of our favorites:
2007 Luna
Vineyards Pinot Grigio
Less
austere than some Italian selections with
bright, citrusy fruit that verges on tropical.
($18)
2007 Fontana Candida Pinot
Grigio
Easy-drinking and
straightforward, this Pinot is light, fresh and
tasty with food.
($9)
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