Pinot Grigio is a grayish-purple grape that produces a white wine with a refreshing taste. This versatile grape can make a wide variety of styles depending on the winemaking style and the region. It can produce Alsace, which is full-bodied with a rich, floral bouquet, and others which are crisp and light-bodied with citrus aromas.

What is Pinot Grigio?

Pinot Grigio is also referred to as Pinot Gris. This variety of grape can produce a light, acidic white wine. One of the biggest producers of the best wine in the world is Italy where the region produces wine like Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy and Pinot Grigio. However, outside of Italy, Grigio is also cultivated in the Alsace region of France, Oregon, California, and Australia.

Pinot Grigio grape is a mutation of Pinot Noir, which makes the classic red wine we all know and love.

Pinot Grigio Wine Characteristics

Pinot Grigio wines vary significantly in taste. Most of the time they qualify as a dry white wine, but some have fruity and tend to be light and clean with medium levels of minerality. The wines have an acidic or citrus finish, and other flavors include grapefruit, melon, and other florals. When it comes to wine color, it also varies from pale gold to straw, and others have a pinkish tint. Pinot Grigio is a perfect wine for satisfying any palate.

Although Pinot Grigio grapes most of the time look like red grapes, there is a slight variation and in some regions, it looks almost white or pinkish. As a result, the wines made from Pinot Grigio grapes likewise vary in appearance and taste. The wine produced in Alsace France may have a full-bodied, lemony yellow and floral finish whereas Oregon, USA may have Pinot Gris wine with medium-bodied, copper pink and fruity appearance. Wine made from grapes grown in Italy may have acidic, sweet and straw-yellow in appearance.

The best way to serve Pinot Grigio

Just like other white wines, it is best to drink Pinot Grigio while it is still young, meaning about two years within its vintage. This wine is perfect for warm weather because it is crisp and refreshing – you can take it during picnics with your friends or relatives and is a perfect “summer wine”.

Pairing it with light dishes like seafood and chicken can make it even more satisfying. However, you can also pair it with slightly spicy foods, and those with rich sauces as its acidity can balance the taste. Because of its acidity, pairing it with acidic dishes like foods with tomato sauce or citrus is not a good idea.

In serving Pinot Grigio make sure that the temperature is around 48 degrees Fahrenheit. This means it should be warmer than the average temperature of the refrigerator which ranges from 30 to 36 degrees. It is best to remove the wine in the fridge for one hour or half an hour before its serving time, or you can chill it over ice if you’re in a hurry.

Popular Brands of Pinot Grigio Wine

If you want an easy-drinking beverage, Pinot Grigio is a safe option as it is a light wine. One of the best-loved and popular brands of Pinot is Santa Margarita, which has a unique label with a bronze attracting of what looks to be an Italian villa. You will see it on many wine lists in high-class restaurants, but be sure to have extra money for a significant markup. Such high cost is common since Pinot Gris wine sells so well, so make sure to carry out some research before committing to a truly expensive bottle.

Some wine stores do offer Pinot Grigios at an affordable price less than $15. Some of the affordable brands include Rufino Lumina, Woodbridge and Ecco Domani. The best part in finding your favorite wine is to taste several brands along the way. Although drinking Pinot will not make you a “wine connoisseur”, it is an excellent choice during a hot summer day and an integral part of any self respecting wine collection.

Food Pairings

The Pinot Grigio has tropical and light fruit flavors that are best paired with light foods like pasta, fish, and seafood. The acidity reduces fatty sauces and brings the flavors together. However, it is also perfect as an aperitif! When drinking this wine, make sure not to pair it with high-acid foods such as citrus fruits. It works well with delicate tastes foods. Thyme, rosemary, garlic, and other herbs are also excellent companions.

Grilled or roasted chicken, light pasta and lightly seasoned pork chops make Pinot Grigio taste good as do light seafoods such as fresh tuna, halibut, and shrimp. If served together with a goats cheese, Gruyere, Brie and parmesan cheeses, these also make the perfect pair for Pinot Grigio wine.

Pinot Grigio Vineyard
A popular wine in Australia, a safe rule of thumb with any Pinot Grigio food pairing is simple – would you be eating this food lying in the sun with a gentle wind blowing your way while the sun beats down on your back? If so, you’ve got a great pinot pairing!

The Future of Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio wine continues to be the sought-after wine in Australia. The best tasting and exceptional wines are kept in the ceiling since this kind of wine is best when opened early. Because this wine is light and fresh, it is best suited together with light foods, during the warm climate and the coastal Australian lifestyle.

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