Pinot Gris

A distinguished family

The grape family originating from France has the name “Pinot,” which translates to Pine. This grape family is unique and is one of the mutations of the well-known grape variety Pinot Noir. This variety was first discovered in Burgundy France, and its family consists of the following members:

  • Pinot Noir
  • Pinot Blanc
  • Pinot Meunier
  • Pinot Noir Précoce

There are some interesting facts related to Pinot Gris, which can be learned by wine lovers. Pinot Gris is now being planted worldwide, in some notable regions such as Australia, Germany, Italy, Russia, and more!

Pinot Gris (Pine)

Pinot Gris needs to be grown with the utmost care. They work best when grown during the spring. This grape variety needs a large space to grow and spread fully. Cooler climates with sunny days and warm, clay soils harvest the best quality of Pinot Gris grapes. Hilly areas are also said to be suitable for growing this mutation variety.

Pinot Gris Taste Profile

Pinot Gris wine is well-liked by most wine lovers and has a distinct structure and color, as well as an excellent blend of flavors that can make it quite easy to identify. A few of its qualities are mentioned below:

Colour

Pinot Gris is a thin-skinned dusty, grayish-blue grape. The word “gris” means gray.

Flavors & Aromas

The flavors present in Pinot Gris may vary from the type of region and climate it was grown in, as well as the winemaker itself. It has distinct flavors of white peach, lemon zest, cantaloupe, raw almond, and crushed gravel. Pinot Gris may include notes of apples, sweet spices, pears, tropical fruit, and even hints of smokiness.

Spice

Some Pinot Gris wines may have hints of spiciness.

Taste

The wine is sweet or semi-sweet, with an off-dry taste. It has light tannins.

Wine Structure

The Pinot Gris wine structure reveals medium-high acidity, off-dry and semi-sweet sensation, abv of 11.5-13%, light and fine tannins, and medium-light body.

Other properties

Oak: French oak barrels

Age ability: The wine can be aged, but not for too long. It can be aged for up to 3-5 years.

Other flavors: clove, spice, almond, ginger, honeysuckle, white peach, honey

Serving temp: Very cold (43-46 °F | 6-8 °C)

Taste profile

The typical Pinot Gris is quite acidic, has low tannins, a medium-light body, and lime, red pear, and zesty notes.

Common regions to find Pinot Gris

  • Italy – Veneto
  • The USA – Oregon
  • Germany – Baden
  • France – Alsace
  • Australia – Adelaide Hills

Summary

The Pinot Gris wine remains one of the most popular and well-liked wines. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir and is one of the highly prized white wines with distinct flavors. It is slightly sweet with a light body, which makes it easy to pair with almost any food.

This wine works well with fresh vegetables, pulled pork, cured meats like spicy duck, gruyere cheese, seafood such as squid, risotto, and creamy pasta. Pinot Gris also works well with sushi and fresh fruits like peaches.