Imagine sitting on the back porch enjoying the summer sunset as you sip on a glass of chilled white wine. And what’s in that glass? Pinot Gris, a beautiful white wine that has a versatile profile.
Many wine enthusiasts love Pinot Gris because of its wide range of flavors. So let’s dive into the beauty of Pinot Gris and why you need a bottle in your home.
Pinot Gris Wine’s Origin & History
Pinot Gris in French means “grey pinecone” for the grape’s greyish-pink color. Thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape, Pinot Gris traces its origins to the Burgundy region of France. It’s believed to have been first cultivated in the 14th century.
The Pinot Gris grape then spread to other regions in Europe, including Italy (they call it Pinot Grigio) and Germany, where it’s still well loved. In the 19th century, German immigrants brought Pinot Gris vines to the U.S. But wine growers didn’t stop there. The vine is grown all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America.
So what’s the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?
Nothing really. They’re technically the same wine called different names depending on the region it’s grown.
But like with all wines, there are differences in the grapes based on the climate and soil they’re grown in. So, you may find…
- Pinot Gris is usually more full-bodied, aromatic, and has a richer mouthfeel.
- While a Pinot Grigio is typically lighter, crisper, and has a drier, zesty palate.
Pinot Gris Wine’s Characteristics
Pinot Gris is versatile and holds a range of flavors. Though a Pinot Gris can range from light to full-bodied, it typically falls in the medium-bodied range. This is what makes it so appealing to wine drinkers.
With each sip, you’ll find a silky texture and a balance between acidity and fruitiness. If you’re drinking a Pinot Gris Rosé, you’ll find it to be light, crisp, and refreshing.
Color: Pinot Gris comes in a range of colors that vary from pale straw to light golden yellow.
If it’s a Pinot Gris Rosé, the wine will have a pink to coppery hue that goes from pale salmon to light ruby.
Flavors: Pinot Gris has a diverse range of flavors. And it all depends on the ripeness of the grape, the winemaking process, and the region it’s grown.
But the most common Pinot Gris flavors are stone fruits like peach, apricot, and nectarines; citrus like lemon, lime, and grapefruit; pear; apple; and honey in slightly sweeter wines or late harvest-style wines.
The flavors of a Pinot Gris Rosé are the same as a Pinot Gris. But there are a few unique differences. A Pinot Gris Rosé will have flavors of red fruits like cherries, herbal notes, and floral notes like rose petals or hibiscus.
Aroma: A Pinot Gris has a bouquet of white flowers (like honeysuckle or jasmine), spices (like ginger or cinnamon), and minerals (like wet stones or chalk).
A Pinot Gris Rosé will be bright and expressive, with an alluring aroma of red berries. You’ll also discover floral notes of roses or violets. And citrus zest of orange or grapefruit peel.
Aging: Pinot Gris and Pinot Gris Rosé are best enjoyed young and fresh.
Pinot Gris Wine Food Pairings
Pinot Gris is a great match for a range of foods that will appeal to any gourmand! Its balanced profile makes it versatile enough to pair with light salads to richer seafood.
But before you serve a glass of Pinot Gris or Pinot Gris Rosé, make sure it’s at 45° to 55°. If you store it in the fridge for about 2-3 hours before serving, you’ll reach the right temperature.
For a more expressive and aromatic sip, let the wine warm a bit in the glass. But keep it slightly cooler throughout serving if you prefer to keep the Pinot Gris crisp and refreshing.
Now, let’s talk food to pair with your chilled Pinot Gris.
Seafood is a great choice. The delicate flavors of grilled or baked fish, shrimp, scallops, crab, or lobster are complemented by the Pinot Gris’s acidity.
And it can also cut through any buttery or creamy sauces like fettuccine alfredo or pasta carbonara. You can also try Pinot Gris with roasted chicken, turkey, or duck prepared with herbs or a light sauce.
If you like sushi or sashimi, the crisp nature of Pinot Gris pairs well with the fresh, raw flavors of the fish. And for a vegetarian pairing, try a vegetable stir fry or veggie-based curries.
Grab a bottle of Rove Winery’s Pinot Gris Rosé!
It’s heavenly!
We call it Ragaire Rosé of Pinot Gris. The grapes are ripened on the vine during long sunny days with cool nights that bring forward characteristics of floral bouquets and fresh orchard fruits.
Our Pinot Gris Rosé has delicate floral notes with a whisper of watermelon and balanced acidity. You’ll discover refreshing hints of creamy berries and citrus. It’s the perfect wine for any summer moment.
Become a Wine Club member and get to enjoy our next harvest of Ragaire Rosé of Pinot Gris first!
Want to learn about more wine? Check out our other essential wine guides on Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rosé, and Chardonnay.
We also have an amazing summer wine and food guide. Slainte!