Pinot Gris is a white wine with a rich, full-bodied flavor, aromas of honey and ripe fruit, and a mellow acidity.
What do you think? Just hearing this already makes you imagine a delicious wine, doesn't it?
Honey-flavored wine is wonderful!
Pinot Gris is a grape variety that is cultivated all over the world, but the production volume is not very large. Therefore, even for wine lovers, it may not be a well-known variety.
However, the cultivation area around the world is gradually increasing, and production volume in New Zealand is also on the rise. It is a variety that is attracting a lot of attention.
The greatest appeal of Pinot Gris is that it pairs well with a variety of foods.
It is a versatile food that can be eaten with any meal.
Furthermore, New Zealand Pinot Gris is characterized by its wide variety, from dry to very sweet. With a bottle of Pinot Gris, you can be sure to enjoy your meal even more. Of course, it also goes well with Japanese food, so it's a variety you should definitely keep in mind.
Also,
- In France it is called "Pinot Gris"
- In Italy it is called "Pinot Grigio"
- In Germany it's called "Grauburgunder"
It is also a unique variety that has various other names around the world.
Pinot Gris has many faces.
In this article, we will introduce the appeal of this variety, including the differences depending on the place of origin and recommended dishes. If you have never tried it, this is a variety that we would like you to give it a try.
I'm sure you'll become a fan too!
A mutation of Pinot Noir that has elements of red wine grapes
Pinot Gris is a white wine grape variety that is thought to be a mutation of the red wine grape Pinot Noir .
- Noir = black
- Gri = Gray
This means.
It got its name from a mutation that causes the skin to turn pink, resulting in greyish fruit.
When you hear " white grapes ," you probably imagine a yellow-green fruit. However, they look just like black grapes. It's easy to mistake them for white grapes.
The darker color and fuller flavor than ordinary white wine can be attributed to its pigments.
Golden appearance, rich fruitiness and concentrated flavor
Pinot Gris is a white grape, but we learned that its fruit has a purplish skin.
The wines that are heavily influenced by this have a golden color.
It is characterized by a stronger yellow color and a darker color than regular white wine.
They come in a wide variety of flavors, from sweet to dry, and some are light-bodied while others have a heavy body.
Also, wine bottles tend to be long and narrow.
When searching for Pinot Gris, pay attention to the shape of the bottle.
Rich fruitiness
Pinot Gris is classified as an aromatic grape variety .
What are aromatic grapes?
The term "aromatic grapes" refers to grapes that have a pronounced fragrance and distinctive character.
Pinot Gris is the most aromatic of its genre.
The typical scent is
- yellow peach
- Honey
- Pear
- mango
Some examples include:
Each one has a rich, creamy feel that comes from being fully ripe.
What are the characteristics of the taste?
The rich aroma is followed by a concentrated body.
It has little acidity and is mellow and rich.
This concentration and strong alcohol content creates a mouthfeel that can be described as "oily," giving the Pinot Gris a full-bodied impression.
Fermented ingredients are characteristic
In some Pinot Gris, you can detect fermented components.
Specifically, what kind of scent does it have?
- yogurt
- Dairy products
It refers to a scent like this.
Is it yogurt?
This fermented aroma is produced by a process called "malolactic fermentation," in which lactic acid bacteria are added after fermentation. Wine made using this process has less acidity and a softer impression.
Using lactic acid bacteria makes the wine mellower and gives it a yogurt-like aroma.
If you try Pinot Gris and notice a mellow acidity that is not sharp, it is likely a wine that has undergone malolactic fermentation.
It originates from Burgundy, but is best known for its production in Alsace.
Pinot Gris originated in Burgundy , but is now rarely produced.
Currently, the main producer in France is the Alsace region .
The Pinot Gris harvested in Alsace produces wines with intense, aromatic flavours.
In Alsace, Pinot Gris
- Riesling
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat
It is one of the most highly rated varieties.
These are the only four grape varieties permitted to be grown in the Grand Cru vineyards of Alsace.
The Alsace region is a mosaic of multiple soil types, including limestone and clay, making it possible to grow a wide variety of grape varieties.
Alsace is the perfect place to grow Pinot Gris
The ideal conditions for growing Pinot Gris are:
- Calcareous, well-drained soil
- Dry
- It has a cool climate
- There is sufficient sunlight
In fact, all of these conditions are met in Alsace.
Another important factor is the low amount of precipitation.
The high-altitude mountainous region of Alsace has a cool climate but plenty of sunshine. The large temperature difference between day and night allows the grapes to grow slowly, making it possible to produce precocious Pinot Gris grapes late in the season.
The Alsace region is an ideal growing environment for Pinot Gris, so it's no wonder it produces such high-quality wine.
The many faces of Pinot Gris around the world
Pinot Gris has many different names around the world, but the French "Pinot Gris" and the Italian "Pinot Grigio" are not just different names.
The two are so different that it's hard to believe they are the same variety.
These differences in names play an important role and can give you a clue to understanding the individual characteristics of each wine when choosing a wine.
French Pinot Gris
In France, Pinot Gris is characterized by its powerful, rich body and complex, deep flavor.
It has a tropical, rich aroma and tends to be on the dry side.
Taking advantage of the cool climate, you can enjoy late-ripened Pinot Gris.
The image I get is that it has a heavy, solid presence.
Italy's Pinot Grigio
On the other hand, Italy's Pinot Grigio has a more casual impression.
Many of these wines are made in stainless steel tanks rather than using the traditional methods used in the Alsace region of France.
*The photo is an image of a stainless steel tank.
In Italy, the grapes are often picked early, resulting in a soft, light flavor.
It has a slightly bitter aftertaste, making it a perfect match for Italian appetizers.
From these
- "Pinot Gris" = heavy type
- "Pinot Grigio" = Light type
The end result is easy to predict.
Pinot Gris is an interesting variety, as its flavor develops according to the climate, culture, and tastes of each country.
It's becoming more popular in New Zealand too
Pinot Gris is a popular variety, and in 2022 it rose from last year to become the third most produced in the country.
The high quality Pinot Gris produced in New Zealand is highly regarded, said to be "comparable to that from Europe."
It has a mild and delicate aroma, a firm and thick body, and a rich flavor.
There are also affordable options that are easy to purchase, so it's recommended for those new to Pinot Gris.
The range of ingredients that can be paired with it is by far the best
Finally, let's see how it pairs with the food you're interested in.
White wine with fish.
There are still many people who think this way.
Pinot Gris is a versatile white wine that overturns such preconceptions.
Yes, the greatest appeal of Pinot Gris is the wide variety of dishes it can be paired with.
Since it is a white wine, it goes well with appetizers, fish, etc., but it also goes well with chicken and pork.
One bottle of Pinot Gris can go from appetizer to main course.
When you're wondering what wine to pair with your meal, you can't go wrong with Pinot Gris. Generally, white wines tend to be paired with lighter-tasting dishes, but they're also fine with stronger-tasting dishes. Try pairing it with Asian or Chinese cuisine, which packs a punch. You won't be disappointed.
Pinot Gris acts like red wine, and that's no surprise, as it is a mutation of the red wine Pinot Noir.
If you want to enjoy your meal slowly, try Pinot Gris!
summary
Pinot Gris is a mutation of Pinot Noir, the king of red wines.
Although it is a white wine, it also contains elements of red wine, making it a variety that can be enjoyed in a deep way.
It has a rich flavor and a pleasant acidity, so it goes well with Japanese food, and of course with home cooking. Please give it a try.
