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What Is Pinot Grigio Wine

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New World Pinot Grigio

One Minute Wine: Pinot Grigio

In the New World, Pinot Gris is the leading white grape in Oregon, especially in the Willamette Valley. Some plantings exist in California and Washington State, although neither region is particularly known for this wine.

Another New World region to look out for is New Zealand, where plantings are on the rise and both styles of Pinot Grigio/Gris are being produced successfully. We wouldn’t be surprised if this region is producing some of the best Pinot Grigios soon. Their neighbor to the west also has some significant Pinot Grigio plantings and is gaining acclaim.

The Flavor Depends On The Grape

You will not find the same flavor in all Pinot Grigio wines because it changes with the area where the grapes are grown. Though the wine has originated in Italy, some of its best styles come from Alsace. The volcanic soil and the cooler climate of Alsace, along with a long growing season and a dry autumn, give the grapes a longer hang-time. The resulting fruit is more mature and creates a balanced and sweeter wine.

On the other hand, the ones that come from Italy are a bit more acidic and drier by nature. Oregon wines are medium-bodied with delicious fruity aromas reminding one of melon, apples and pears. California Pinot Grigio is lighter-bodied and has a hint of crispiness.

Pinot Grigio Gets A Bad Rap Among Wine Professionals

If you ask a sommelier to pour you a Pinot Grigio, there’s a chance you may get a sigh and a scornful look. Among the professional and experienced wine crowd, Pinot Grigio has long held a pretty sour reputation. But why? It commonly gets looked down on as boring and simple, for one. Quite a few people in the wine business feel that it’s a go-to wine that you can eat with some chicken and it’ll be … just fine and nothing more . Ironically, one of the big reasons for this perception of Pinot Grigio is its popularity. It is indeed a mass-produced and highly popular wine, and there are admittedly many big-budget labels out there making large quantities of low-quality Pinot Grigio . Certainly, that hasn’t done much to bolster this wine’s reputation.

Fortunately for all the loyal Pinot Grigio lovers, there’s growing recognition that its negative reputation as an unworthy wine is unwarranted. And if you avoid mass-marketed brands in favor of smaller, quality wine producers, you’re more likely to be in for a light and refreshing treat . So, if you like Pinot Grigio, don’t be shy.

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How To Serve Pinot Grigio

Now a wine would not be the same if it was served incorrectly. Its always best to serve this wine in around two years within its vintage to ensure that crisp, refreshing, and punchy taste is not altered.

Its also best served chilled, so if you know youre going to be opening the bottle in the next few days, think about keeping it in the refrigerator, especially if youre having guests around and want to impress them with your fancy chilled wine glasses paired with a delicious home-cooked meal.

If you forget to refrigerate though, dont panic! Chill it over ice for a similar effect. When the time comes to actually serve, however, you want the temperature to be around 48 degrees Fahrenheit, which is warmer than most refrigerators in an average household.

To bring it to this temperature, simply remove the wine from the fridge around an hour before serving.

As far as what to cook for that meal, the possibilities are endless.

Seafood is most commonly paired with Pinot Grigio, which compliments the refreshing taste and mixes with the tastebuds delightfully. Pinot Grigio is also a fantastic white wine for cooking with.

Sushi, Ceviche, and shellfish are popular but not to worry if these dont tickle your fancy. The versatile wine also pairs well with chicken in a creamy sauce or a light pasta dish.

If you want to spice up your cooking, rosemary, garlic, ginger, cracked white and black pepper, and thyme all complement the wine and can be used generously whilst cooking.

How Is Pinot Grigio Wine Made

Pinot Gris rules whites in Oregon

The winemaking process for Pinot Grigio is much the same as with any wine. Once the grapes are harvested and crushed, the fermentation process begins to turn those squashed grapes into a boozy beverage. When it comes to Pinot Grigio, most winemakers make it in the dry style , so fermenting will run its course and leave very little residual sugar in the wine. However, there are some vintners who want a sweeter result. In this case, they’ll halt fermentation before all the sugars have been converted into alcohol.

As with other crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, Pinot Grigio is almost always aged in stainless steel barrels to keep those fresh, fruity notes. That said, if you see the name Pinot Gris on the wine label, there’s a chance it was aged in oak barrels, especially if it comes from the Alsace region in France.

In general, Pinot Grigioalcohol levels tend to hover in the moderate zone of 12-14% ABV .

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Guide To Pinot Gris Wine

Is there a difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris? No, not technically speaking. They are the same.

Since the grape has had cultural significance in both Italy and France, we use the words Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio interchangeably throughout this article.

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Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco Igt 2020

The straw yellow white wine is a real charmer. White flowers, young peach, and fresh pineapple define the bouquet. On the palate, Antinoris Bianco impresses with its incredible drinking flow, juicy fruit, and persistence in the finish. An absolutely summery wine that conjures up a little sunshine on your palate even in late autumn!

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Pinot Grigio Vs Chardonnay Vs Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay look almost identical in a wine glass, but that is where the similarities end. Pinot Grigio is light with hints of green melon, while Chardonnay is slightly heavier and has hints of freshly cut grass.

Pinot Grigio usually tastes less sweet than Chardonnay because of the higher acidity. Pinot Grigio is light with hints of green melon, while Chardonnay is slightly heavier and has hints of freshly cut grass.

Pinot Grigio is a delicate, fresh, and light white wine that can be either dry or sweet. Compared to the Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Grigio is slightly fruitier and has a fuller body.

The Sauvignon Blanc is also a fresh white wine, but it is slightly higher in acids and has spicier influences than the Pinot Grigio. If you want a lighter, more approachable wine, the Pinot Gris white wine is ideal. If you want a fresh wine with more spices and herbs, choose the Sauvignon Blanc.

Pinot Grigio Vs Pinot Gris

A wine-lover’s guide to Pinot Grigio | The World of Wine

While you will come across white wine bottles labeled pinot grigio and pinot gris, they are actually the same type of wine made from the same grapes. There are minor style differences between the names based on their region. Wines marked pinot grigio are typically Italian or made in an Italian styledry, crisp, and light-bodied with citrus aromas. Wines marked pinot gris are French or made in a French style, and often come from Alsace. Alsace-style pinot gris can be richer, more full-bodied, and sometimes sweet.

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Best For Sangria: 2019 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Alto Adige

Courtesy of Drizly.com

Region: Alto Adige, Italy | ABV: 12.5% | Tasting Notes: Yellow apple, Pear, Almond paste

If you have a craving for a white wine sangria, your best bet is the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio sourced from the vineyards of Northern Italys Alto Adige region. This Italian jewel is beloved by Americans and this is the perfect wine to sip on while you whip up that white sangria made withthis wine!

This wine boasts an enchanting citrus musk that is spearheaded by lemon and grapefruit. It is bolstered by yellow apple and pear flavors, with light touches of almond paste, and is dry as a bone in the Sahara. The versatile flavors make this wine stand on its own and also pair well with floating chunks of fruit.

Pinot Gris Or Pinot Grigio

First of all, what is Pinot Gris? Dont worry if you think its one you missed. If you have enjoyed a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio, then you will know what I am talking about. Same grape, same wine, different country. Many wine reviews use the names interchangeably, so all you need to remember is that Pinot Grigio is the Italian version and Pinot Gris is the French one.

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What Does Pinot Grigio Pair Well With

Now, the most important thing you need to know about Pinot Grigio is obviously what food pairings work with your delicious drink. In a lot of ways, Italian Pinot Grigio is a great starter wine before a meal. Similar to a light beer, Pinot Grigio is pretty neutral and therefore, is perfect when youre preparing to feast on a delicious meal!

Because all of the types of Pinot Grigio are light and delicate, it pairs deliciously with equally light and refreshing meals. Seafood, fish, chickens, and pastas with light sauces are all good examples. They are especially delicious with a Pinot Grigio we know of that has the perfect touch of fizzy, light and refreshing notes of elderflower, pear and zesty grapefruit finish. In general, if youre looking to pair your drink with something delicious, you want to forgo meals that are heavy with sauces.

Here are some other great ways to eat alongside your Pinot Grigio:

FRIED FISH: Fish and chips, anyone? Fried fish and veggies are made to be consumed alongside a good Pinot Grigio pour!

CHEESE: a great way to start or conclude your meal, cheese tastes good with just about anything in our opinions. But, we admit it tastes especially good with a Pinot Grigio. Look for soft, sweet and mild cheeses because they will bring out the sweet, mellow notes in your drink. Think: Brie, Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano and Gruyère. Also think: invite the Bev team.

Pinot Gris Vs Pinot Grigio: What Is The Difference

Pinot Grigio

If you enjoy having a glass of tasty white wine, you should try a glass of Pinot, if you havent already. To most white wine lovers, Pinot is a favorite. The distinction between a Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Gris is rather subtle, yet many people know that these wines are essentially the same. The two are crafted from the same grape variety and have no DNA or genetic disparity whatsoever.

Although very similar, the two have several key differences, especially taste. Pinot Grigio is a lighter, fresher wine, while Pinot Gris has a spicier taste and is more full-bodied. But what makes Pinot Grigio different from Pinot Gris? Is taste the only basis for their differences? Why do the wines taste differently despite being produced from the same grape? If you are here, you might be grappling with either of the questions above or want to learn more about Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris.

Lets look at the key distinctions between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris, as well as what distinguishes each of them. What foods can be paired with either, and why? Read on to learn all about Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio and their differences.

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Popular Brands Of Pinot Grigio Wine

If you want an easy-drinking beverage, Pinot Grigio is a safe option as it is a light wine. One of the best-loved and popular brands of Pinot is Santa Margarita, which has a unique label with a bronze attracting of what looks to be an Italian villa. You will see it on many wine lists in high-class restaurants, but be sure to have extra money for a significant markup. Such high cost is common since Pinot Gris wine sells so well, so make sure to carry out some research before committing to a truly expensive bottle.

Some wine stores do offer Pinot Grigios at an affordable price less than $15. Some of the affordable brands include Rufino Lumina, Woodbridge and Ecco Domani. The best part in finding your favorite wine is to taste several brands along the way. Although drinking Pinot will not make you a wine connoisseur, it is an excellent choice during a hot summer day and an integral part of any self respecting wine collection.

What Makes Pinot Gris Different From Pinot Grigio

Although both wines are made from the same grape, there are a few key differences. From the time they are harvested to the way, they are cultivated. The factors that go into making a Gris different from a Grigio are the same factors that will determine what it pairs best with. Lets review the major differences.

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What Is Pinot Gris

Most of us can describe the type of wine we like the best in simple terms. Others have worked hard to become sommeliers with a deep understanding of wines and the complicated terminology involved in this specialized art. If, like me, you fall somewhere in between the two, then buckle up because Pinot Gris is going to give you a ride you will not forget.

Are The Two Wines Just From France And Italy

The Best White Wines For Beginners (Series): #2 Pinot Grigio

Today Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio grapes are planted all over the world in almost every wine-growing region. For the most part these countries are making the more fashionable Pinot Grigio style, which is typically easy-drinking and destined for early consumption. That said, there are also regions that focus more on the Pinot Gris style, such as Oregon, and parts of New Zealand.

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What Does Pinot Gris Taste Like

Pinot Gris tasting notes always highlight the freshness of the flavors. If you like a fruity wine, then Pinot Gris is the one for you. The Pinot Gris aroma packs in hints of almond, honeysuckle, honey, saline, clove, ginger, and spice. Its a list that would make a great name for a Spice Girls tribute band!

What Style Of Wine Is Pinot Gris

Now this is a quite different beast altogether. Alsace makes both lighter, dry styles and richer, more opulent ‘late-harvest’ styles. As well as ripe orchard fruit flavours, these tend to have a hint of ginger, with pastry and buttery flavours developing with a bit of age.

In New Zealand you’ll find splashes of tropical fruit and mineral complexity in some of the more premium bottles.

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A Few Delicious Pinot Gris & Pinot Grigio Wines

Below Ive listed a number of Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio wines that I have tasted recently. All of these are wines that I believe warrant attention for their balance and quality.

Pinot Gris

2009 Seven Hills Pinot Gris, Oregon, $15 Really vibrant juicy fruit. Crisp, mouthwatering with a medium-rich texture. Smooth and beautifully balanced showing lots of ripe stone fruit, yellow plum, flowers and spice. Persistent and refreshing finish.

2005 Trimback Pinot Gris Reserve, Alsace, France, $20 Mid-gold in color. Enticing spicy, stone fruit aromas with hints of honey and smoke. Fresh, broad with intense, rich, apricot, guava flavors. Lots of earthy minerality, and a long spicy finish.

2007 Domaine Julien Meyer Pinot Gris Nature, Alsace, $17 Attractive aromas of ultra ripe fruit, hints of honey and spice. Richness follows through on palate, balanced by bright acidity. Earthy, nice viscosity in the texture, smooth with a lingering, floral and spicy finish.

2009 Benton Lane Oregon Pinot Gris, $15 Fresh and juicy with bright youthful aromas of ripe, nectarines, which peach and apple blossoms. Crisp, moderately rich with a medley of citrus and stone fruit flavors.

Pinot Grigio

2007 Alois Lageder Benefizium Porer Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, $20 Combines richness with delicacy this wine is inviting with a medley of layered aromas ripe apricot, spice, hint of vanilla, smoke. Fresh, smooth textured and lifted ripe stone fruit flavors that persist to a long minerally finish.

The Flavors Of Pinot Grigio

An Introduction To Pinot Grigio

More ripe Pinot Grigio wines will often err towards the side of tropical and tree fruit flavors, while less mature grapes will have more prominent hints of citrus fruit. Pinot Grigio is almost always made to be a dry white wine with either a light or medium body. No matter what body you find Pinot Grigio in, the best wines are crisp, refreshing and well balanced overall with moderate acidity and complex fruit flavors.

Depending on quality and production methods, you may encounter some versions with elevated acidity. Especially in cool climate wine growing regions.

Note that the specific taste of Pinot Grigio isnt so simple to pin down. Thats because the ultimate flavor depends on production methods and the region the grapes are grown in. Common fruit flavors include lime, pear, peach, nectarine and lemon. Some wines will have light sandy mineral tilts to them, along with subtle notes of honey and ginger. Some Vintners also choose to utilize botrytis, which is a form of rot that causes grapes to dehydrate, while maintaining and enhancing sugar concentration.

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Is Pinot Gris Dry Or Sweet

It is difficult to pin Pinot Gris down to a black-and-white profile. So much about the flavors depending on the winemakers skill and the position of the vineyards. Pinot Gris can be liberally flavorsome, complex, and dry or it can have a sweeter side. It tends towards the higher side of the acidity scale.

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