PINOT GRIGIO
Italy's most popular white wine is produced from the * Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris grape varietal. This wine hails from the northeast region of Veneto and Friuli. A light, crisp white wine that is intended to be consumed early on.
Pinot gris (or pinot grigio, as it is known in Italy) probably is the best-known variant-clone of Pinot Noir. Although gris translates to "grey", ripe pinot gris grapes may be described as having colors from light pinkish brown to deep bluish grey. Clusters with a variety of berry colors are not unusual
Italy, produces the largest quantity of Pinot Grigio, but has only a very few estates, in Friuli, who emphasize premium quality. Unfortunately for its reputation, most Italian makers of Pinot Grigio over crop and harvest early, producing clean, lean, even sometimes conspicuously tart, but otherwise bland, vapid wines. Pinot gris/grigio can attain a very high level of sweetness, but begins to lose acid rapidly when near full ripeness.
Only two appellations devote pinot gris the respect and attention to growing and vinification that is necessary to render distinguished wine: Alsace, France, the traditional base of Pinot Gris appreciation, and Oregon, the newest region to produce high-quality Pinot Gris.
Grape Variety
Pinot Gris
Use in Old World
Germany (Ruländer), Alsace, France (Tokay d'Alsace), Italy (Pinot Grigio), Eastern Europe.
Use in New World
Rare but increasing.
Color
Clear, occasionally it has a pink tinge
Aroma
Somewhat nondescript spicy fruit.
Body
Light
Wine Making Flavors
Rare
Blended with
Rare.
Other
A degenerative clone of Pinot Noir
Categories:
White Wine Grapes