Pinot Grigio white wine: history and overview of taste
Pinot gris grapes, which are used to make the drink, were first grown in France, presumably in Burgundy. Gradually, it spread to the east and reached the territory of Italy, where today the best Pinot Grigio wines are produced. In addition to France and Italy, this vine variety is cultivated in Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland and many other territories.
History of the drink
The unofficial name of the grape is "Gray Monk". It is connected, firstly, with the color of ripe fruits covered with a light gray bloom, and secondly, with the ministers of the Catholic Church who grew Pinot Grigio in Austria in the XIII century...
It is noteworthy that the color of the berries, in addition to gray, has a reddish tint.
It is believed that Pinot Gris grapes are a mutation of the famous red Pinot Noir variety, which determines its unusual color.
Despite this, the grape is used for the production of white wines and belongs to the white varieties.
Drink description and types
The color of the wine is predominantly golden. The exact shade depends on the production method and the manufacturer: there are both light straw and rich copper.
The taste of Pinot Grigio can also be different, and is related to the production area:
In Austria, Hungary, the Balkans and the northern regions of Italy, dry wine is produced with a sour apple-lemon flavor, which is a consequence of the high acidity of local berries.
This is a fairly simple, unpretentious drink that goes well with seafood and potato snacks.
Its alcohol content is approximately 10%. The wine is aged in steel barrels.
The second variant is a dry wine with an intense fruity aroma, which is produced in Italy, Australia and South America.
Lemon-peach, apple and lime notes are clearly felt in the taste.
Oak barrels are used to age the drink.
In France, where the drink is called Pinot Gris, the wine has a sweet fruity flavor with a hint of honey, caramel, dried apricots and citrus.
In each country where Pinot Grigio is produced, the drink is called differently and has its own distinctive flavors.
There is a strong (12-14%) variant with a floral and nutty aroma and a spicy honey aftertaste.
In some regions of Italy, rosé wine with a pronounced fruity and berry flavor is produced.
For its production, in addition to grape juice, pulp is used (a mass of juice, berry seeds, pulp and peel).
The most famous Italian brands
Casa Vinicola Botter Carlo (Veneto)
Marco Felluga (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
Colterenzio (Trentino Alto Adige)
Cielo (Veneto)
Recommendations for use
Pinot Grigio wine is advised to be drunk at a "young" age - within a year of production.
Before drinking, the drink should be cooled to 7-11°C.
Can be combined with fish dishes, vegetables, seafood, cheese and white meat.
It is also suitable as an aperitif or an addition to dessert.
The wine quenches thirst and refreshes well, so it is perfect for the hot season and as a basic ingredient for cocktails.
Update: 15.08.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth