Pinot Gris & Pinot Grigio

Hello,
Today we talked about pinot gris and pinot grigio. Both terms mean grey pinot but gris is French where grigio is Italian. Pinot gris is typically found in Alsace in france and Grigio is found in Friuli in Italy. Also there are varieties that are found in European countries and in the norther states of the USA. In Australia there are many places that both varieties can be found especially in Yarra Valley and Tasmania. These vines both are mutations of Pinot nior and so they have loose cylindrical bunches. The wine is typically straw to pale gold in color. The gris may actually have some pink color due to its contact with the skins when in it being fermented. The aromas are typically perfumed, rose petal, passion fruit,  and honey. This can have high levels of alcohol and low levels of acidity. It is typically rounded in the mid palate and pinot gris has pronounced fruitiness, where pinot gris can be more steely on the palate.

1) Santa Margarita 2014
    Made in: Valdadige, Italy
    Alc/vol: 12.5
    Price: $18

Appearance: The core is straw and the rim is a light gold color with green hues showing that it is a young wine. It looks full bodied and has good vibrancy and clarity. This has no oak content.

Aroma: This wine contains primary aromas of ripe pear and honey. There are also subtle secondary aromas of stinky socks. This makes the wine complex and these aromas are true to the grape.

Palate: This has intense flavors of pear and green apple. There is also a dryness to the wine especially as it builds from the fore palate to the back palate. There is a good persistence and a slight after taste of buttered toast.

Pinot Gris

2) Reserve 2013
    Made in: Alsace
    Alc/vol: 13
    Price: $22

Appearance: The core is a very yellow gold and the rim is a golden yellow. There are some yellow fleck ins in the wine and there does not appear to be oak contact.

Aroma: There are intense floral aromas with a hint of honey as well. Smells similar to perfume. There is some subtle green apple aromas and some buttery secondary aromas as well.

Palate: This wine is soft on the palate. It tends to only hit the back of the palate. There is also a strong taste of green apple and there is a short persistence.


Thank you
~Karli