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Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris , also known as Pinot Grigio, is a white wine grape variety with its origin in France. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir . The Pinot Grigio is known for its citrus and fruit aromas, with sometimes rich and spicy flavors and bright acidity, this is one of the most popular white wines.
While Pinot Grigio is lauded by American wine drinkers, Pinot Gris has a slightly lower profile this side of the Atlantic. However, both wine styles come from the same grape variety . French winemakers refer to this grape variety as " Pinot Gris ," while Italian winemakers plant and harvest the exact same vines and call it "Pinot Grigio." Although the grapes are the same, the resulting wines are very different in style.
Pinot Grigio grape variety in Italy
The pinot gris vine generally produces small clusters and berries, although there are several clones. The larger ones are the most common clones, while the smaller ones are the ones that produce the highest quality wines.
The Pinot Gris is a fairly vigorous plant, it flowers early and is not very productive. It offers musts with high potential alcohol content and medium acidity. It is susceptible to mildew and is easily affected by Botrytis Cinerea, which in turn gives rise to interesting Botrytis wines.
Pinot gris is the third most widely planted grape variety in Alsace, after Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and continues to grow. Until 2007 it was known in the region as Tokay d'Alsace, until an agreement between the EEC and Hungary came into effect, with the aim of protecting the great sweet botrytis wines in that country. Wines labeled Alsace Pinot Gris must be 100 % made with this variety.
The Pinot Gris /Grigio we are all used to tends towards notes of white peach, light citrus notes and a hint of pear. An element of perfume and light spices round out this light, easy-to-drink white, while you can also experience additional flavors of honeysuckle, green apple or even grapefruit.
The majority of Italian Pinot Grigio is produced in the regions of Veneto, Lombardy, Friuli, Trentino and Alto Adige. Much of the wine they produce is light, young and affordable, although some areas can produce richer, more premium wines, similar to Alsatian Pinot Gris . Italy exports a huge amount of their Pinot Grigio every year, with the UK and US being the largest export locations. Germany also produces a reasonable amount of Pinot Grigio wine, but keeps most of it to itself. Known within the German borders as Grauburgunder, the grape variety offers a flavor profile and character similar to the typical Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Grigio is an easy wine for food pairing. Often the wine is combined with a piece of white meat and fish dishes, such as mussels or spicy chicken. It's also great with salad greens and if you like cheese, look no further than mozzarella.
If the Pinot Grigio is a bit fuller and more matured, it goes well with creamy sauces and veal or dishes with caramelized onions or swordfish.