Pinot Gris Wine
IN THE BOTTLE
Our grapes come from the warm Columbia Valley in Washington state. Notes of peach, orange, and yellow apple dominate, with hints of white flowers in the background. Being unoaked allows the wine's gentle aromatics to take center stage. Lightly off dry, the slight residual sugar rounds out the wine's natural acidity.
CLASSIC FLAVOR PROFILES OF VARIETAL
Pinot Grigio is simply the Italian name for Pinot Gris, but the two names are also indicators of the style of wine in the bottle. Pinot Grigio tends to be made in cooler climates and in a style that preserves the grape's acidity, focusing on bright, fresh flavors: think lemon and crisp green apple. Pinot Gris, on the other hand, tends to be from warmer climates and makes fuller bodied wines with richer, riper flavors, which is why we call our wine a Pinot Gris and not a Pinot Grigio.
VARIETAL FACTS
The name Pinot Gris means "grey pinot" because it is a mutation of Pinot Noir. However, the skins are not actually gray, but come in shades of pink ranging from orange-pink to pale purple! Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are indistinguishable in the vineyard right up until veraison, the time when the fruit ripens. The Pinot Noir grapes then develop a deep red color while the Pinot Gris will turn pink.
HISTORY
In Alsace, France, the fifty-one best vineyards are classified as grand cru vineyards and are only allowed to be planted with four "noble" grapes: Pinot Gris, Muscat, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Pinot Gris from these vineyards tends to be extremely lush, with a rich texture and an almost spicy finish. A perfect pairing is the traditional pizza from Alsace called tarte flambée, which tops a flatbread with bacon, onions, and fromage blanc, a soft, creamy cheese.
DID YOU KNOW?
Because Pinot Noir is prone to mutations, Pinot Gris has originated multiple times in France and Germany, but its popularity has spread it all over the world. Although we classically associate Pinot Gris with France, Italy is the top grower of Pinot Gris, with France ranking fifth, behind the United States, Germany, and Australia.
IF YOU LIKE THIS WINE, TRY:
Sauvignon Blanc, Unoaked Chardonnay, or any light, crisp Wine of the Month
Standard Bottle 750 ml
Please note: An adult signature is required for the final delivery of any wine shipment.
