Table of Contents
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
- Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, ranks as the second most popular white wine in America.
- Originating in France as Pinot Gris, the grape migrated to Italy and gained fame as Pinot Grigio.
- Pinot Grigio’s greyish-blue skins set it apart from other white grapes.
- The wine thrives in northeastern Italy, particularly in Lombardy, the Veneto, Friuli, Trentino, and Alto Adige.
- Pinot Grigio faced criticism from wine enthusiasts for its perceived simplicity and lack of complexity.
- Its popularity led to mass production, resulting in lower-quality bottles flooding the market.
- Pinot Grigio’s refreshing acidity and vibrant flavors make it a delightful choice for warm weather.
- High-quality Pinot Grigio bottles offer nuanced flavors and complexity, distinct from mass-produced options.
- The wine’s versatility pairs well with a variety of dishes, from light salads to seafood and poultry.
- 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
- 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
Links to other interesting articles:
73-powerful-team-building-activities
unlock-the-fun-with-18-virtual-team-building-activities
powerful-tips-for-crafting-a-company-culture
Links to other interesting articles:
19-amazing-virtual-team-building-activities
35-powerful-team-building-activities
5-minute-team-building-activities
more-than-50-powerful-team-building-activities
Find out more about our experiences.
You may also want to check out our gallery for past events.
