Exploring Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Time to dive deeper into Pinot Grigio (Italy)/Pinot Gris (France). I must admit that I have done such a good job of avoiding this varietal that I now know very little about it. On June 5, 2018 we tasted 5 different wines. I didn't fall in love with this varietal. I think the lack of acidity and slight bitter after taste is not to my liking. Of the 5 we sampled the best one was the 2016 Santi Sortesele Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie IGT. It was also the least expensive. I also came away with an appreciation for those Pinot Grigio wine drinkers who add ice. I think it is best very cold.
Menu Ideas
Ideas: Food: Excellent with all fish but especially salmon, Pinot Gris is also a superb accompaniment to chicken, veal, Foie Gras and mild cheeses
Italian Pinot Grigios to find:
Alsace is the classic French region for Pinot Gris where it is usually dry to off dry, often with an oily texture, ripe tropical fruit flavours and hint of ginger or honey. The grape skins have a deep color meaning the wine will be more golden in color. Full-bodied and dhigh in alcohol
Other regions:
New Zealand: viscous mouthfeel and medium acidity, more pure fruit flavors, and slightly more residual sugar.
Tasmania
Australia
Oregon:
Top 25 Oregon Pinot Gris rated by Vivino Users
Oregon Pinot Gris
Wines
2012 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve Ribeauville 13.5% abv
Region: France, Alsace
Varietal: Pinot Gris
2016 Maso Canali DOC Pinot Grigio Italia 12.5% abv, $17.99
Region: Italy, Trentino
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
2016 Santi Sortesele Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie IGT, 12.5% abv $13.49
Region: Italy, della Venezie Adige Valley
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
2016 Terlato Pinot Grigio Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 13% abv $22.49
Region: Italy, Friuli Colli Orientali
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
2015 Sokol Blosser Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 13.0 abv, $20.69
Region: Oregon, Willamette Valley
Varietal: Pinot Gris
MORE INFORMATION
2012 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve Ribeauville 13.5% abv
Region: France, Alsace
My Tasting Notes:
Level of readiness to drink: Drink now.
More Information
"An elegant white, with a frame of firm acidity that is well-meshed with a layer of smoky minerality and flavors of dried apricot, toasted almond, lemon curd and herb. Drink now through 2020." - Alison Napjus, Dec 31, 2014
Trentino, Italy- Brilliant pale golden color leads to a nose of peach and a hint of honey. The wine is characterized by enticing flavors of lemon and fresh apple, with floral notes. It is well-balanced with a lovely, persistent finish.
In Trentino dialect, ‘sortesele’ is the diminutive of ‘sorti,’ or “small parts of vineyard.” According to ancient custom, Sortesele were large parcels of vineyard for which the heirs of an agricultural property drew lots.
Pinot Grigio thrives in the Sortesele vineyard, situated along the Adige valley. Following the harvest grapes are sorted and vinified entirely in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. The young wine remains in stainless steel for the short aging process and sees a light filtering prior to bottling.
This crisp white shows aromas of mineral, flowers, melon and white pepper, before clean, angular fruit on the palate, with fresh acidity.
With a pale straw color and delicate green tints, the wine has full and complex aromas of pears, exotic fruits and wild flowers. On the palate, the wine has generous, soft but lively fruit with firm flavors, good acidity and a long finish. The wine has fine structure, captivating to the nose and very satisfying on the palate.
A really nice, dry & refreshing PG. With floral aroma and citrus and slightly pear taste. There is also a soft honey aftertaste. Nice one for a good price.(3,4 Stars)
2016 Terlato Pinot Grigio Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 13% abv $22.49
Region: Italy, Colli Orientali Friuli
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
My Tasting Notes:
Level of readiness to drink: Drink now.
More Information
2015 Sokol Blosser Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 13.0 abv, $20.69
Region: Oregon, Willamette Valley
Varietal: Pinot Gris
My Tasting Notes:
Level of readiness to drink: Drink now.
More Information
Info from Sokol Blosser
From the warmest vintage on record, ripeness was never the issue here. It's balance and freshness that are the litmus test, and this passes with flying colors. Firm polished apple and pear fruit anchors the wine, with highlights of citrus skin. It's got all you could ask for in an all-purpose, solid and tasty young white wine.
Menu Ideas
Ideas: Food: Excellent with all fish but especially salmon, Pinot Gris is also a superb accompaniment to chicken, veal, Foie Gras and mild cheeses
Food pairing
Pair with: terrines, fish in sauce, smoked or raw, white meats, veal sweetbreads, mushrooms, well-seasoned and aromatic dishes, Asian cuisine…
Italian Pinot Grigios to find:
- Alto Adige DOC: Tends to be made in the dry style, with light to medium body, high acidity and citrus and green fruit flavors.
- Trentino DOC: Wines made from grapes grown on the valley floor tend to be medium bodied with medium acidity and ripe stone fruit flavors. Those made from grapes at a higher altitude will be more similar to those from Alto Adige.
- Friuli Grave DOC: these wines are from the plain and are made in a simple fruity style, juicy peach and tropical fruit flavors.
- Collio Doc or Colli Orientali DOC: Located in the hills and known for premium more concentrated white wine.
- Veneto IGT: Flat fertile plan is a source for inexpensive high volume brands, usually simple and fruity. Typically a different clone is used, one known for it's pal skin and large fleshy pulp. It produces relatively neutral wines
Alsace is the classic French region for Pinot Gris where it is usually dry to off dry, often with an oily texture, ripe tropical fruit flavours and hint of ginger or honey. The grape skins have a deep color meaning the wine will be more golden in color. Full-bodied and dhigh in alcohol
Other regions:
New Zealand: viscous mouthfeel and medium acidity, more pure fruit flavors, and slightly more residual sugar.
Tasmania
Australia
Oregon:
Top 25 Oregon Pinot Gris rated by Vivino Users
Oregon Pinot Gris
Wines
2012 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve Ribeauville 13.5% abv
Varietal: Pinot Gris
2016 Maso Canali DOC Pinot Grigio Italia 12.5% abv, $17.99
Region: Italy, Trentino
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
2016 Santi Sortesele Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie IGT, 12.5% abv $13.49
Region: Italy, della Venezie Adige Valley
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
2016 Terlato Pinot Grigio Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 13% abv $22.49
Region: Italy, Friuli Colli Orientali
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
2015 Sokol Blosser Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 13.0 abv, $20.69
Region: Oregon, Willamette Valley
Varietal: Pinot Gris
MORE INFORMATION
2012 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve Ribeauville 13.5% abv
Region: France, Alsace
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Medium lemon
Nose: Medium (-) intensity with aromas of lemon, pear and apricot.
Palate: The wine was off dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol,, medium body, medium finish and medium flavor intensity. Primary flavors of lemon peel, peach, pear, honey, tomato leaf.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity): The quality is good: nicely balanced.
More Information
"An elegant white, with a frame of firm acidity that is well-meshed with a layer of smoky minerality and flavors of dried apricot, toasted almond, lemon curd and herb. Drink now through 2020." - Alison Napjus, Dec 31, 2014
Reviewed by: Wine Spectator - 90 pts
One of the most remarkable of Alsace grape varieties which combines a full-bodied, heady but dry fruitiness. Its generous personality and its hint of smokiness make it the perfect accompaniment for a wide variety of gastronomic dishes.
2016 Maso Canali DOC Pinot Grigio Italia 12.5% abv $11.99
Region: Italy, Trentino
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Region: Italy, Trentino
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
My Tasting Notes:
Level of readiness to drink: Drink now.
More Information
Appearance: Pale lemon
Nose: Light intensity with aromas of apricot, grapefruit, lemon and blossom.
Palate: The wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol,, medium (-) body, short finish and medium (-) flavor intensity. Primary flavors of grapefruit, lemon, grass, and tarragon.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity): The quality is acceptable.
More Information
Wine.com Winemaker NotesThe Maso Canali Pinot Grigio is radiant, with a pale straw hue. Crisp citrus aromas are backed by floral notes on the nose, where ripe nectarine also emerges. The palate delivers flavors of rich peach alongside delicate citrus notes and musk. Drying a portion of the grapes on racks contributes a rich mouthfeel, while adding a touch of Chardonnay lends additional roundness and texture. The result is a full-flavored, dry white wine supported by bright acidity a lingering finish.
Trentino, Italy- Brilliant pale golden color leads to a nose of peach and a hint of honey. The wine is characterized by enticing flavors of lemon and fresh apple, with floral notes. It is well-balanced with a lovely, persistent finish.
2016 Santi Sortesele Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie IGT, 12.5% abv $13.49
Region: Italy, della Venezie, Adige Valley
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
My Tasting Notes: This wine was by far the best!!!!
Level of readiness to drink: Drink now.
More Information
Appearance: Pale lemon
Nose: Medium(-) intensity with aromas of pear, lemon, banana and grass.
Palate: The wine is off-dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, medium (-) body, medium (-) finish and medium (-) flavor intensity. Primary flavors of wet stone, green bell pepper, tomato leaf, lime and pear.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity): The quality is good
More Information
Pinot Grigio thrives in the Sortesele vineyard, situated along the Adige valley. Following the harvest grapes are sorted and vinified entirely in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. The young wine remains in stainless steel for the short aging process and sees a light filtering prior to bottling.
This crisp white shows aromas of mineral, flowers, melon and white pepper, before clean, angular fruit on the palate, with fresh acidity.
With a pale straw color and delicate green tints, the wine has full and complex aromas of pears, exotic fruits and wild flowers. On the palate, the wine has generous, soft but lively fruit with firm flavors, good acidity and a long finish. The wine has fine structure, captivating to the nose and very satisfying on the palate.
A really nice, dry & refreshing PG. With floral aroma and citrus and slightly pear taste. There is also a soft honey aftertaste. Nice one for a good price.(3,4 Stars)
2016 Terlato Pinot Grigio Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 13% abv $22.49
Region: Italy, Colli Orientali Friuli
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Pale lemon
Nose: light intensity with aromas of pineapple, lemon peel, pear and parsley.
Palate: The wine is off-dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, medium (-) body, short finish and medium (-) flavor intensity. Primary flavors of lemon peel, parsley and nectarine.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity): The quality is acceptable
More Information
The Friuli Colli Orientali region in Northeastern Italy is ideal for creating this elegant terroir driven wine with more flavor and a crisp finish. The Terlato Vineyards Pinot Grigio is 100% Estate grown, farmed in small blocks, each with different soil compositions and expositions, with low yields and handcrafted winemaking.
Aroma: Bright aromas of white peach, pear and spring flowers
Taste: Complex and layered with ripe peach, apricot, and pear, a mouth filling texture and crisp mineral finishItaly's northeastern corner is famous for spectacular white wines that are perfumed, sharply etched and clean. In the hills of Friuli, known for the finest Pinot Grigio, famed viticulturists Simonit & Sirch bring their dedication in the vineyards to fashion this beautiful Pinot Grigio with its exceptional balance and ripe fruit notes.The Terlato Vineyards philosophy of pairing the finest grape varieties with the highest quality regions finds new expression in the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC. The Estate vineyards “ponca”soil and proximity to the Alps and Adriatic Sea moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. The result is complex and expressive fruit and mineral character with a perfectly balanced structure.Light gold in color, the Pinot Grigio is complex and layered with ripe peach, apricot, and pear with a mouth-filling texture and crisp, mineral finish.
Taste: Complex and layered with ripe peach, apricot, and pear, a mouth filling texture and crisp mineral finishItaly's northeastern corner is famous for spectacular white wines that are perfumed, sharply etched and clean. In the hills of Friuli, known for the finest Pinot Grigio, famed viticulturists Simonit & Sirch bring their dedication in the vineyards to fashion this beautiful Pinot Grigio with its exceptional balance and ripe fruit notes.The Terlato Vineyards philosophy of pairing the finest grape varieties with the highest quality regions finds new expression in the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC. The Estate vineyards “ponca”soil and proximity to the Alps and Adriatic Sea moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. The result is complex and expressive fruit and mineral character with a perfectly balanced structure.Light gold in color, the Pinot Grigio is complex and layered with ripe peach, apricot, and pear with a mouth-filling texture and crisp, mineral finish.
Region: Oregon, Willamette Valley
Varietal: Pinot Gris
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Pale lemon
Nose: light intensity with aromas of pear, peach, mango, pineapple
Palate: The wine is off-dry with medium(-) acidity, medium alcohol, medium (-) body, short finish and medium (-) flavor intensity. Primary flavors of peach, apricot, lime and tomato leaf.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity): The quality is acceptable
More Information
Info from Sokol Blosser
From the warmest vintage on record, ripeness was never the issue here. It's balance and freshness that are the litmus test, and this passes with flying colors. Firm polished apple and pear fruit anchors the wine, with highlights of citrus skin. It's got all you could ask for in an all-purpose, solid and tasty young white wine.
Review date: December 3, 2017
Wine Review: This tasty Pinot Gris is pale yellow colored and opens with an orange blossom, beeswax and wet stone bouquet. On the palate, it is fruity with balanced acidity and a light body. I enjoyed its red apple, lemon and light minerality flavors along with a lingering dry finish that included some additional citrus notes. Chilled oysters on the half-shell would go nicely with this very good Oregon Pinot Gris. – Mark
Winemaker Notes: Our 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris is our signature white wine of Oregon. We press the Pinot Gris grapes as whole clusters. They are given a slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel, which gives the wine a firm, focused backbone coupled with its lush creaminess. Our Pinot Gris has complex undertones of earth and mineral with expressive notes of floral, citrus and melon. Pair with crab, oysters, halibut or soft artisan cheeses.
Organic status: not organic
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