Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are gaining in popularity. 
Why? Because Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris (Which is the same grape) are very food-friendly and approachable. What you will find is that the styles of this grape differ depending on the region and terroir that they come from. In this quick blog post, I will tell you about my favorite Pinot Grigios and Pinot Gris that I discovered over the last several months.
My favorite Pinot Gris comes from Alsace, France. The 2007 Gustave Lorentz “Schofweg” Pinot Gris for $30 tops our scoring with 93 points. This Pinot Gris displays a pretty gold color while opening with a fragrant ripe apple bouquet. I loved its palate presence which was medium-to-full bodied and very rich. You will find it rather complex with tasty Bosc pear flavors with notes of mineral, apple, almond, and a kiss of toffee and caramel. It is a very impressive Pinot Gris.
We next move to one of my favorite regions for this grape. The 2009 Sineann Pinot Gris from Oregon retails for $18. I scored this wine 90 points. This offering is semi-dry, medium-bodied, and balanced with tasty light apricot flavors with a hint of peach and minerality. The integration of this wine was seamless. Everything flows through to a dry finish that drifts along to provide prolonged enjoyment. I suggested pairing it with another Oregon favorite, Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese.
Next we move to Italy, where many of the best Pinot Grigios are produced in the Alto Adige region. The 2008 St Michael Eppan “Anger Pinot Grigio” for $18is one of those winners. I covered this wine at a trade show and thought it was the best Pinot Grigio in the line-up presented. I scored it 90 points. On the palate, I found this wine to be medium-bodied, well balanced, and creamy with a very pleasant mouthfeel. I was impressed with its delicate blend of lime and mineral flavors. It is very food-friendly and elegant and would pair well with grilled halibut.
If you read our last post on Gewurtztraminer, you will know that I consider Navarroa leader for that grape. They also produce a terrific Pinot Gris from the Anderson Valley as well. Their 2009 Pinot Gris for $19 was awarded 90 pointsfrom our tasting panel. The panel loved its fragrant tangerine and ripe Bartlett pear bouquet. On the palate, they found this wine to be medium-bodied with harmonious acidity throughout. The flavor profile is a tasty Bartlett pear with notes of melon and just a hint of minerality. They suggested pairing this gem with a chicken Caesar salad.
Next we travel to Kumeu River in New Zealand where the 2009 Kumeu River Pinot Gris also came in at 90 points. This Pinot Gris is another completely different style. It is full-bodied, balanced, and crisp, yet slightly viscous. I enjoyed its tasty mineral-infused green apple and tangerine flavors with notes of ripe Bartlett pear in the background. It would be perfect with bacon wrapped shrimp.
For our final 90 pointer we return to Gustave Lorentz in Alsace. Their 2008 “Reserve” Pinot Gris was another Very Good wine. It is very different from the Schofweg in terms style. This offering is medium-bodied, balanced, and displays a very nice blend between its fruit and acidity. Its flavor profile is a tasty tangerine with hints of cinnamon, peach and a touch of minerality. It finishes dry, but not too dry while leaving a pleasant and refreshing mouthfeel. I would serve it with some grilled trout.
In the next tier we return to Oregon for three Very Good Pinot Gris that all scored 89 points. We start with the 2008 Cristom “Estate” Pinot Gris for $17. This offering is light-bodied, crisp and acidic with mild mineral-infused Anjou pear flavors with a dash of white pepper and touch of lemon. On the finish it is dry and remains crisp and refreshing. I would pair this wine with Parmesan stuffed Dover sole.
Next we have the 2008 Lemelson “Tikka’s Run” Pinot Gris for $18. It is balanced and displays nicely integrated acidity along with its tasty Bosc pear flavors. I also detected a touch of mild lime and delicate mineral notes as well. I suggest serving this wine and most Oregon Pinot Gris cool (not cold) to bring out its tasty flavors. Pair this one with lemon drizzled grilled swordfish.
Staying in Oregon, the panel also awarded the 2009 Willakenzie “Estate Grown” Pinot Gris with 89 points. This Willamette Valley Pinot Gris costs a little more at $21 but offers some intriguing characteristics that are worth your assessment. What you will find is a medium-bodied and balanced wine that is slightly creamy. Its tasty Anjou pear and mild Granny Smith apple flavors will capture your attention while nicely integrated minerality rounds out the wine. This is a perfect wine to serve with linguine with a white wine clam broth. As a matter of fact, I would use this wine in the broth.
The next 2 Pinot Gris both scored 88 points. The first is the 2009 J Vineyards “Cooper Vineyard” Pinot Gris from the Russian River Valley in California. It is offered for $20. I enjoyed its tasty mineral-infused mild green apple flavors with hints of white pepper. I would suggest trying this food-friendly Pinot Gris with steamed clams with drawn butter. Staying with minerally styled Pinot Gris, we move to the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. The 2007 Red Newt “Curry Creek Vineyard” Pinot Gris for $24 is for readers who really like this style. It is well balanced, slightly viscous, and smooth with the advertised mineral-infused mild tangerine and Bosc pear flavors. Those mineral notes continue to linger for a little while on the finish. Pair it with some broiled scallops and enjoy.
We wrap up our post with 5 Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigios that scored 87 points. You will find all of these offerings to be easy to find and Very Good alternatives to the wine listed above.
1) Columbia Crest 2009 Pinot Grigio “Two Vines” (Washington) $8
2) Ruffino 2009 Pinot Grigio “Lumina”(Venezia Giulia, Italy) $10
3) Castello Banfi 2009 Pinot Grigio “San Angelo”(Toscana, Italy) $17
4) Luna 2008 Pinot Grigio(Napa Valley, CA) $18
5) Attems 2009 Pinot Grigio(Venezia Giulia, Italy) $19
As you can see this grape is great with food, especially seafood. I challenge you to try some wines made from this grape and report back. Please share your favorite Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigios with our readers. Enjoy – Ken