Grape Of The Week: Pinot Gris
A perfect summer wine, Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio, is loved by many all over the world. A pink mutation of Pinot Noir grapes from Burgundy, Pinot Gris is one of the only white wines not made from green grapes. This lends itself to its familiar taste profile, as well as a range in style from dry to sweet wines. Its main flavor profile contains notes of white peach, lemon zest, raw almond, crushed gravel, and cantaloupe. Pinot Gris pairs well with ceviche, grilled chicken salads, seared scallops in garlic butter, and shrimp scampi.
Even though Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape and the names can be used interchangeably, stylistic differences can be seen between the two. Pinot Gris is most commonly found in Alsace, France where it’s made from 100% Pinot Gris, known for its complexity, and has added hints of baking spice and ginger. Meanwhile Italian style Pinot Grigio most commonly hails from Veneto and is normally dry, with mouth-watering acidity and a lingering nutty almond note. On the other hand, American Pinot Grigio differs with more fruit-forward notes and less acidity.
Ready to exercise your taste buds? Here are some wines to try:
