PINOT GRIS IN 5'

General information

Pinot Gris is a chameleon variety, as it can adapt perfectly to many different climates and soils. It first appeared in Burgundy, France and its existence is due to a mutation of the red variety Pinot Noir. While it has traveled all over the world, the best examples are in Alsace where it belongs to the noble varieties, Oregon, America, Australia, New Zealand, and Slovenia, as well as in Germany, where it is called Grauburgunder or Ruländer. But its best travel was in Italy, where it is now the largest production in the world and is called Pinot Grigio, with the most notable examples in Veneto, Friuli, and Trentino-Alto Adige. The Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC classification was also created there, and it covers 3 regions with a total of 28 thousand hectares

It is known for its refreshing character, but depending on the region in which it is grown and the winemaking style, it acquires complexity. Creates excellent blends with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling varieties.

Characteristics

It produces mainly white wines, but due to its color mutation from the red Pinot Noir variety, it can produce rosé or even orange wines. A typical Pinot Gris has a light straw color and a pale lemon to golden color. It is a variety well known for its light body, very crisp acidity, and fresh aromas of green apple, pear, lemon/lime, and white flowers, while also having a very subtle mineral character. The simple, very elegant, and light versions come from vinification in a stainless steel tank. When it passes through a barrel it acquires a bold texture and aromas of ripe tropical fruits and citrus fruits, such as apricot, mango, bitter orange, and persimmon, while honey and vanilla give more complexity. Also, the barrel helps a lot with both structure and aging potential.

Its Italian version is one of the most famous and widely recognized, with an elegant clean profile, mild aromatic intensity, and high, refreshing acidity. In the Alsace region, it acquires a fuller and spicier character.

New World Pinot Gris (Australia, USA, New Zealand) have medium to low acidity, higher alcohol levels, and an almost oily texture, while the aromas are riper, in some cases due to botrytis.

Food Pairing

A Burgundy Pinot Gris goes well with a mushroom risotto and poultry dishes with creamy sauces, scallops, and other seafood with a buttery character, but also soft fatty cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. In its most elegant version, it loves sushi and cool salads, as well as meat or fish carpaccio.