Pinot gris

Pinot Gris is a grey-berried variety belonging to the Pinot family, closely related to Pinot Noir. Native to Burgundy, it has spread to various wine regions of the world, taking on unique characteristics according to the terroir. Known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, in Alsace and Germany it takes on more structured expressions, with greater complexity and ageing potential.

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Characteristics of the Pinot Gris Grape Variety

Agronomic Aspects

• Origin: Burgundy, France.
• Climate: It adapts well to cool and temperate climates.
• Soil: It prefers limestone, clay and volcanic soils.

Grape Characteristics

• Berry: Grey-copper skin with pink shades.
• Aromatic profile: Fruity and floral notes, ranging from mineral freshness to more honeyed, spicy shades in the aged wines.

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Wine Styles from Pinot Gris

• Dry and Fresh: Typical of the Italian Style (Pinot Grigio), with lively acidity and a mineral profile.
• Structured and Complex: The typical version of theAlsace and Oregon, with a full body and developed aromas.
• Macerated (orange wine): Fermented with the skins to obtain greater structure and complexity.
• Late Harvest: Sweet and enveloping, made from overripe or botrytised grapes.

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Sensory Characteristics

Colour

• Dry Whites: Straw yellow with golden highlights.
• Skin-contact wines: Amber or orange hues.
• Late Harvest: Intense gold with amber shades.

Aromas

• Fruity: Notes of pear, apple, apricot, tropical fruit and candied citrus.
• Floral: Hints of white flowers, acacia and orange blossom.
• Spicy: Hints of ginger, nutmeg and honey in the more evolved wines.
• Mineral: Shades of flint and light savouriness.

Palate

• Fresh and fruity: In the young, mineral versions.
• Structured and round: In the riper, more complex Pinot Gris wines.
• Sweet and persistent: In the late-harvest wines.

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Growing Areas

France

• Alsace: Rich, complex and structured Pinot Gris.

Italy

• Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Alto Adige, Veneto: A fresh, mineral and versatile Pinot Grigio.

New World

• Oregon: An expression somewhere between the Italian and the Alsace style, with a full body and balanced acidity.
• New Zealand: Fruity, intense versions, with spicy notes.

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Typical Winemaking

• Fermentation in Stainless Steel: To preserve freshness and aromatic purity.
• Ageing in Oak Casks: To develop complexity and structure in the richer wines.
• Maceration on the Skins: To obtain orange wines with more tannin.

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Food Pairings

Dry Pinot Gris

• Seafood: Oysters, mussels, fish carpaccio.
• First Courses: Asparagus risotto, pasta with seafood.
• Fresh Cheeses: Goat's cheese, ricotta.

Structured Pinot Gris

• White Meat: Turkey, chicken with light sauces.
• Grilled Vegetables: Perfect with vegetarian dishes.

Sweet Pinot Gris

• Foie Gras: A classic pairing with late harvest wine.
• Fruit Desserts: Apricot tart, citrus desserts.

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Why Choose Pinot Gris?

The Pinot Gris is a grape variety versatile and fascinating, able to adapt to different winemaking styles, giving fresh, mineral wines as well as more structured, complex versions. Perfect for anyone looking for a an elegant, balanced white full of personality.