Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Question 1

In what climates does Pinot Gris/Grigio like to grow?

Answer 1

• Cool
• Moderate

Question 2

Are Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris the same grape?

Answer 2

Yes

Pinot Grigio is the Italian name.

Pinot Gris is the French name.

Question 3

What are the 2 distinct styles of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris?

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 laden with flavor (grapes harvested later: Alsatian style).

Question 4

To help retain Pinot Gris/Grigio’s fruit flavors, in what vessel is it likely to be fermented?

Answer 4

An inert vessel, such as stainless steel.

Question 5

Are light, simple styles of Pinot Grigio, like Italian Pinot Grigio, always fermented dry or off-dry? And when are they best consumed?

Answer 5

Dry and best consumed in their youth

This is important because the simple flavors diminish soon after bottling.

Question 6

How are complex, fuller-styled Pinot Gris sometimes fermented to off-dry?

Answer 6

By removing the yeasts through filtration.

Question 7

Fill in the blank:

When the intense, complex-styled Pinot Gris are left to age, they can develop flavors of _____and _____.

Answer 7

ginger and honey

Question 8

What are 2 appellations in northern Italy that are known for light, simple, inexpensive Pinot Grigio?

Answer 8

1. Veneto IGT
2. delle Venezie DOC

Both of these areas produce high volume Pinot Grigio.

Question 9

Where in Italy can you find a more structured, fruity, full-bodied style of Pinot Grigio?

Answer 9

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Question 10

Which region in France is known for its Pinot Gris?

Answer 10

Alsace

Question 11

What is the general style of Alsatian Pinot Gris?

Answer 11

Alsatian Pinot Gris are deliciously complex and rich in style compared to Italian Pinot Grigios.

Sweetness and body can vary:

• Dry to medium-sweet
• Medium to full body

Fruit profile and acidity are consistent:

• Peach
• Mango
• Ginger
• Medium acidity

Question 12

What is the regional appellation of Alsace?

Answer 12

Alsace AOP/AOC

Question 13

Which Alsatian AOP covers specific vineyards?

Answer 13

Alsace Grand Cru AOP

Question 14

On the sloped foothills of which mountains are Alsace Grand Cru AOP vineyards found and which direction do these vineyards face?

Answer 14

Vosges Mountains, where the vineyards face east/southeast.

Question 15

Name 3 grapes suitable for Alsace Grand Cru AOP status.

Answer 15

1. Riesling
2. Pinot Gris
3. Gewurztraminer

Question 16

What is it about the Alsace Grand Cru sites that make them different from regular Alsace AOP vineyards?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What does Vendanges Tardive translate to in English?

Answer 17

Late Harvest

Question 18

Vendanges Tardives is only allowed to be used in which French region?

Answer 18

Alsace

Question 19

Does Vendanges Tardives indicate that the wine is going to be bone dry or medium to sweet?

Answer 19

Medium to sweet

Question 20

Fill in the blank:

Vendanges Tardives (VT) can be used on both _____ AOP and _____ AOP wines.

Answer 20

Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru

Question 21

If a wine is labeled Pinot Grigio, what style do you expect it to be: Italian or Alsatian?

Answer 21

Very much Italian in style:

• Light
• Simple
• High acid
• Unoaked

Question 22

If a wine is labeled Pinot Gris, what style do you expect it to be: Italian or Alsatian?

Answer 22

Very much Alsatian in style:

• Fuller body
• More complex
• Medium acidity
• Ripe stone and tropical fruits