Pinot Gris

(cousin to Pinot Noir) - a bit of a heavier body wine than Sauvignon Blanc with hints of pears.


Introduction

Pinot Gris is one of the best white whine varieties in the world. It is a clone of the Pinot Noir grape. The grapes grow in clusters and grapes within a cluster may have a wide variety of colours. The grapes have a high range of sugar and when they ripen they begin to loose acid rapidly. It is grown in various countries like Switzerland, Germany, France, Hungary etc.


Pronunciation

Pee-noh-gree

History

Pinot Gris was first grown in the Burgundy region in the Midddle Ages after which it spread to other countries in Europe. By the 14th century it arrived in Switzerland. Till the 18th and 19th century the wine was a favourite in the champagne and burgundy region , however due to poor yields and crop failure caused it to fall out of favour with the wine growers. The same thing occurred in Germany but due to technological advancements the wine growers could prevent crop yield to decrease.

Synonyms

• Ÿ Monemvasia
• Ÿ Pinot grigio
• Ÿ Rulander
• Ÿ Gris Cordelier
• Ÿ Fromentot
• Ÿ Fromentau
• Ÿ Pinot Beurut
• Ÿ Sivi Pinot
• Ÿ Malvoisi
• Ÿ Gris Cordelier
• Ÿ Auxerrios Gris
• Ÿ Pinot Burgunder

Viticulture

The Pinot Gris grows mostly in the cold countries. The grapes grow in brunches and may have a variety of colours. Different styles of Pinot Gris have different types of colours.


Food Culture
Foods that have a bit of acidity tend to have a better combination with Pinot Gris. Dishes with tomat sauce, poultry or pork tend give a better taste to the wine. Sometimes even dishes with nuts leave a better taste when tasted with Pinot Gris.

Pinot Gris is one white wine which does age well.

Regions


France

Pinot Gris cultivation covers about 13.6% of the Alscae region. The wine produced from this region tastes different from the wine produced in other countries. The grapes hang from the branch for a very long time allowing the fruit to ripen slowly which produces wine of good quality.

Australia

Pinot Gris was first cultivated in Australia in the 19th century. The Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are cultivated together in Australia though the dryer version of wine is used to produce Pinot Grigio.

Italy
Pinot Gris is cultivated in the eastern part of Italy where the cold climate facilitates its growth and helps in growing good variety of wine. The plantings can be found in the Lombardy region as well as the northern region of Alto Adige.


United States Of America

Pinot Gris was a late arrival in the US. It was first grown in the 20th century. The wine did not manage to find its feet in the wine market in the beginning but after it became an instant hit with fish its cultivation started increasing. Nearly 1620 acres of California is under Pinot Gris cultivation where it is grown mostly in the Southern coastal areas. However the sales of this wine have still been erratic.