A mutation of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris is an extremely popular white wine with sales increasing at a faster rate than any other white. This can be contributed to its easy to drink nature and subdued personality. Now that consumers are opting for less heavily oaked wines, Pinot Gris makes for a refreshing change.

Sometimes referred to as Pinot Grigio, this varietal can be found growing in Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United States. This variety has the ability to attain a very high level of sweetness but will lose acid rapidly as it begins to ripen. Depending on its ripeness at harvest and vinification technique, Pinot Gris can be light and crisp or rich and full-bodied. In fact, it is often blended with Pinot Noir to lighten and richen its flavour. Usually found to be delicately fragrant with flavour components of melon, pear, citrus fruit and honey. It is also common to find it high in acidity and low in tannins. This “early to market wine” can be sold within 4-12 weeks after fermentation and is intended to be consumed early on.

The perfect cocktail wine, Pinot Gris’s crispness primes the palate for food. It pairs well with seafood, roasted vegetables and smoked cheeses. Avoid acid clashes with citrus fruit and tomatoes. It should be served at 48F.

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