3.12 Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Question 1

In what climates does Pinot Gris/Grigio thrive?

Answer 1

Cool
Moderate

Question 2

Are Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio the same grape?

Answer 2

Yes!
Gris = Gray in French

Grigio = Gray in Italian

Question 3

Describe the 2 distinct styles of Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio? (PG)

Answer 3

1. A simple, dry, light bodied wine with high acidity (grapes harvested early: Italian style)
2. A complex, fuller bodied wine with medium acidity and with more complex flavor (grapes harvested later: Alsatian style).

Question 4

Are PGs typically matured in oak or inert vessels?

Answer 4

Inert ( concrete, stainless steel or large old oak barrels)

Question 5

Are PGs always dry?

Answer 5

No -
Simple styles are usually fermented to dryness.

Riper styles are sometimes created using arrested fermentation to create off dry and medium sweet styles.

Question 6

Is PG age-worthy?

Answer 6

It depends on the style…..

Light bodied simple styles are best consumed young.

Fuller bodied, more complex styles can age. They will develop aromas/flavors of ginger, honey & candied citrus peel

Question 7

Name 2 appellations in northern Italy that are known for light, simple, inexpensive PG.

Answer 7

Veneto IGT
delle Venezie DOC

Question 8

Name a region in northern Italy known for more structured, full-bodied style PG.

Answer 8

Fruili-Venezia-Giulia

Question 9

Which region in France is known for its Pinot Gris?

Answer 9

Alsace

Question 10

Describe the general style and production methods of Alsace PG?

Answer 10

Complex and rich, compared to most of their Italian cousins
Full bodied
Medium acid
(Stone) peach
(Tropical) Mango
Tertiary aromas/flavors of ginger & honey

Grapes are usually picked later, when extra-ripe.

Question 11

Where do the best Alsatian PGs come from?

Answer 11

Grand Cru vineyards

Question 12

Describe the style of quality Alsatian PG.

Answer 12

Varied Sweetness and body :
* Dry to medium-sweet
* Medium to full body

Medium acid (all styles)

Fruit profile:
* Peach
* Mango
* Ginger

Question 13

Name the 3 Alsatian appellations

Answer 13

Alsace AOC
Alsace Grand Cru AOC
Cremant d’Alsace AOC

Question 14

What’s the Alsatian regional appellation called?

Answer 14

Alsace AOC

Question 15

Which Alsatian appellation covers specific vineyards?

Answer 15

Alsace Grand Cru AOC

Question 16

Which Alsatian appellation is specifically for sparkling wines?

Answer 16

Cremant d’Alsace AOC

Question 17

Where within Alsace are the Grand Cru vineyards typically located?

Answer 17

On E/SE facing slopes (foothills of mountains)

In general, Grand Cru wines differ from Alsace AOC wines in these ways:

• They are on steeper slopes
• Receive more sunlight
• Produce grapes that are riper and have fuller flavor

Question 18

Alsace is in the rain shadow of what mountain range?

Answer 18

Vosges

Question 19

Name the 4 grapes permitted for Alsace Grand Cru AOC.

Answer 19

Riesling
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat

(one vineyard is also allowed to produce Grand Cru wines form Sylvaner)

Question 20

What are Vendages Tardives wines. (VT)

Are these wines dry or sweet?

Answer 20

Late harvest wines

Medium sweet to sweet

Question 21

What are Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) wines?

Answer 21

Botrytized wines - always sweet

Question 22

Can VT and SGN wines be labelled either Alsace AOC or Alsace Grand Cru AOC, depending on their vineyard location?

Answer 22

YES!

Question 23

If a wine is labeled Pinot Gris, what style do you expect?

Answer 23

Alsatian
* Fuller body
* More complex
* Medium acidity
* Ripe stone and tropical fruits

Question 24

If a wine is labeled Pinot Grigio, what style do you expect?

Answer 24

Italian
* Light
* Simple
* High acid
* Unoaked