Wine 101 The Fascinating Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio, a lively white wine reminiscent of cold lemonade on a scorching summer day, stands as America’s second most beloved white wine. Delve into its crisp acidity and vibrant flavors, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion.

Pinot Grigio In 60 Seconds:

• Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, entices with its zesty acidity and notes of lemons, limes, green apples, and honeysuckle.
• Originating in France as Pinot Gris, this white grape variety made its mark in Italy, where it flourished under the name Pinot Grigio.
• Found in the northeastern regions of Lombardy, the Veneto, Friuli, Trentino, and Alto Adige, Pinot Grigio gained popularity, becoming Italy’s most favored white wine and a top choice in the U.S.
• Despite criticism from wine connoisseurs, Pinot Grigio’s simplicity often arises from mass-produced, low-quality bottles flooding the market.

The Journey of Pinot Grigio

• Pinot Grigio, originally Pinot Gris, emerged as a mutation of the red grape Pinot Noir in France’s Burgundy region.
• With its greyish-blue skins, Pinot Gris migrated to Switzerland in the 1300s, earning favor from the Emperor before journeying to northern Italy.
• Renamed Pinot Grigio in Italy, the wine thrived in Lombardy, the Veneto, Friuli, Trentino, and Alto Adige, securing its place as a beloved white wine.

Pinot Grigio’s Polarizing Reputation

• Despite its popularity, Pinot Grigio faces criticism from some wine aficionados for being “simple” and “uninteresting.”
• The proliferation of mass-produced, low-quality bottles tarnishes the reputation of Pinot Grigio, leading to skepticism among enthusiasts.
• Opting for higher-quality bottles and avoiding mass-marketed options ensures a delightful Pinot Grigio experience.

10 Facts about Pinot Grigio

1. Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, ranks as the second most popular white wine in America.
2. Originating in France as Pinot Gris, the grape migrated to Italy and gained fame as Pinot Grigio.
3. Pinot Grigio’s greyish-blue skins set it apart from other white grapes.
4. The wine thrives in northeastern Italy, particularly in Lombardy, the Veneto, Friuli, Trentino, and Alto Adige.
5. Pinot Grigio faced criticism from wine enthusiasts for its perceived simplicity and lack of complexity.
6. Its popularity led to mass production, resulting in lower-quality bottles flooding the market.
7. Pinot Grigio’s refreshing acidity and vibrant flavors make it a delightful choice for warm weather.
8. High-quality Pinot Grigio bottles offer nuanced flavors and complexity, distinct from mass-produced options.
9. The wine’s versatility pairs well with a variety of dishes, from light salads to seafood and poultry.
10. Pinot Grigio’s allure lies in its crisp acidity, lively fruit flavors, and easy-drinking nature.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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