Chapter 12 - Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Question 1

What are basic characteristics of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris?

Answer 1

• Grows in cool and moderate climates
• Produces 2 distinct styles of wine
• Early harvest: high yield, high acidity, dry, light-bodied wine, simple flavours of apple and lemon
• Delayed harvest: Riper grapes, higher in sugar, lower in acidity, more complex flavours, more powerful, full-bodied wines with medium acidity, pronounced flavours of lemon, stone fruit, tropical fruit (mango, banana)

Question 2

How is Pinot Grigio matured?

Answer 2

• Inert vessels to preserve fruity flavours
• lighter style: dry
• riper, fuller bodied style: fermentation interrupted by removing years. Off-dry or medium level of sweetness
• Lighter styles to be consumed quickly to preserve aromas

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Pinot Grigios from Italy?

Answer 3

• Simple, unoaked, light body wines
• Produced in Veneto region, labelled delle Venezie DOC or Veneto IGT
• Inexpensive due to being produced in high volumes
• Short finish, acceptable quality
• Friuli-venezia Giulia: more complex, fuller-bodied

Question 4

What are the characteristics of Pinot Gris from Frabce?

Answer 4

• Alsace AOC: typically made from grapes picked later in the seasons when they are extra-ripe
• Medium acidity, great sugar ripness and flavour complexity
• Dry to medium in sweetness
• Medium to full body, pronounced flavours of peach, mango and ginger
• Grand Cru Vineyards available

Question 5

What are the most important labeling terms in Alsace?

Answer 5

• Alsace AOC: Regional appellation that covers the entire area, typically labelled with their grape variety
• Alsace Grand Cru AOC: Specific vineyards on sloped foothills of Vosges Mountains covered. Riper in flavor, fully in body
• Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer eligible for grand cru status
• Vendanges Tardives (VT): late harvest, term only used in Alsace. Medium to sweet wine from extra-ripe grapes.

Question 6

What are the relevant facts about Pinot Gris today?

Answer 6

• Light style exported in large quantities from Veneto region
• Shows shift of consumer preferences away from oaky wines
• More complex varieties of Pinot Grigio often overlooked
• Outside of Italy France Pinot Grigio often used for high-acid, light-bodied style and Pinot Gris for wines with more body and complexity