Who isn’t familiar with Pinot Grigio? When you glance at the wine menu at your favorite local bar or pub, it’s always available. Some wine sommeliers would not agree with this, but Pinot Grigio pairs well with a large assortment of food.
I personally think it’s a little underappreciated.

The Pinot Grigio grape, also known as Pinot Gris, can taste a little different according to where it is grown.
Pinot Gris, Gris meaning gray in French, is thought to be a clone of the Pinot Noir variety.
Alto Adige, a region in the northeast of Italy, is where the Pinot Grigio grape expresses a lighter, crispier, citrus taste. This is one I like to recommend to my guests here at the Nino’s Clinton store.

Abbazia Di Novacella Pinot Grigio 2013

When I tasted this wine, it expressed lots of citrus fruit with peach and honeydew melon. It was crisp and fruity and would be an excellent choice with grilled sea bass or a light salad.
Pinot Gris is one of the Noble grapes of Alsace, which is located on the eastern border of France across from Germany. The Pinot Gris grape from this area can be spicy, musky and honeyed with a slight oily texture and excellent acidity. You could pair this with a mushroom risotto or maybe a juicy piece of salmon or sea scallops.

Willm Alsace Pinot Gris 2012

It has been some time since I tasted this wine, and I will never forget the amazing aroma of peaches and apricots following a velvety, soft, juicy finish.

Oregon: Pacific Northwest

Often described as similar to the style grown in Alsace, the Pinot Gris from Oregon has to be one of my favorites. A couple of months ago, we met with the winemaker Thomas Houseman of Anne Amie Vineyards and tried his Pinot Gris. It was to die for.

Anne Amie Pinot Gris 2014

I put my nose in the glass, and I was immediately overpowered by the fresh smell of pear and green apple. Then, I took a sip and it blew me away. You have to try this wine, especially with a shrimp salad or glazed pork.

I hope you found this helpful.

Until next time!

Cheers!