Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris Flashcards
True or false: Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape variety.
True.
Pinot Grigio is the Italian name and Pinot Gris is the French name for the same grape variety.
What climate does Pinot Gris/Grigio need?
Cool to moderate.
What type of fermentation vessels are typically used for Pinot Grigio/Gris?
Inert vessels.
To preserve its fruity flavours.
Describe a typical Italian Pinot Grigio.
Dry, unoaked, light body, medium to high acidity, simple flavours of pear and lemon.
Describe a typical Alsace Pinot Gris.
Medium to full bodied, medium acidity, dry to medium sweet, pronounced flavours of lemon, stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit (mango, banana).
Why can Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio produce the 2 very different styles found in Italy vs Alsace? (2)
Yields and time of harvest.
High yields and harvested early in Italian style = simple, retained acidity, light bodied.
Low yields and harvested later in Alsace = Concentrated flavours, riper flavours, more sugar and less acid in the grapes (more body and alcohol)
Can Alsace Pinot Gris age in bottle?
Yes.
Develop notes of ginger and honey.
How are the simple Italian Pinot Grigio wines typically labelled? (2)
Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC
Veneto IGT
Which Italian wine region produces a more complex and fuller-bodied style of Pinot Grigio?
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
The best Alsace Pinot Gris wines are made with grapes grown where?
Grand Cru vineyards
There are 2 AOCs in Alsace. Name them.
Alsace AOC
Alsace Grand Cru AOC
True or false: in Alsace, the wine’s level of sweetness must be indicated on the label using a standardised scale.
True (as of the 2021 vintage)
Name 3 grape varieties permitted to be used in Alsace Grand Cru AOC wines.
Pinot Gris
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Name 3 grape varieties permitted to be used in Vendanges Tardives (VT) wines.
Pinot Gris
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
What does the labelling term Vendanges Tardives mean? What style of wine does it denote?
“Late harvest”
Medium to sweet wine made from extra ripe grapes
