Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Question 1

Characteristics of Pinot Grigio/gris

Answer 1

2 types of wine

• high yields, harvested early, high acidity
• -> dry, light body, high acidity, simple flavors, apple and lemon
• controlled yields, late harvest, riper grapes, higher in sugar, lower acidity, complexer in flavor.
• -> powerful, full body, medium acidity, pronounced lemon, stone fruit, tropical fruit (banana, mango)

Question 2

Maturation and winemaking of Pinot Grigio/gris

Answer 2

• inert vessels to conserve the fruity flavors
• lighter Italian fermented to dryness.–> best to consume young
• Fuller riper style sometimes interrupt fermentation by removing the yeast for an off-dry or medium sweet wine –> can develop ginger and honey taste in the bottle

Question 3

Important Regions of Pinot Grigio/Gris

Answer 3

Italy

• unoaked, light in body
• Veneto
• Delle Venezie DOC of Veneto IGT: inexpensive, high volume, short finish
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia: complexer and fuller body in north Italian eastern corner

France
- Alsace AOC: picked later in the season, extra ripe. medium acidity, greater sugar ripeness, flavor complexity. dry to medium to sweet. medium, full body, pronounced peach, mango, ginger, can develop nuts and honey in the bottle.

Question 4

What can Pinot Gris stand for?

Answer 4

A wine with more body and complexity

Question 5

What can Pinot Grigio Stand for?

Answer 5

A high-acid, light bodied style

Question 6

Labeling in Alsace

Answer 6

Alsace AOC: regional appellation that covers the entire region

Alsace Grand cru AOC: specific vineyards, steep sloped foothills, vosges mountains. more sunlight, riper in flavour, fuller in body

Vendages Tardives: late harvest, medium to sweet wine