Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: An Overview
The dinner table is set. All the silverware is in its proper place and the food is piping hot. The family sits down for dinner, but something is missing. You look around and can’t quite put your finger on it; then it dawns on you: the glass of Pinot Grigio was left on the kitchen counter. Dinner is never the same without a half-filled glass of silky-smooth Pinot Grigio.
Dinner with the family is often a time to cherish. The food itself can always be upgraded with a glass of wine. Different types of food are served better with different types of wine, but the experience is generally the same. You swirl the beautiful liquid around the inside of your glass as you inhale the spirits and stimulate your olfactory senses. Then you drink its beauty, but only in small amounts. As the liquid enters your mouth you let it slide gently across your tongue and feel its silky-smooth texture while you savor its many flavors; this is what life is all about – the small things.
If you’re just beginning to delve into the beauty of the wine world, then you should start off by enjoying a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio. It is an excellent white wine for beginners because it is light-bodied, and tends to be easy on the palate. Many connoisseurs scoff at this wine, but only because it is considered a very light-flavored wine. Not only that, but Pinot Grigio is produced on a massive scale and many connoisseurs believe that scarcity adds to the experience. I will not argue these points, but what I will say is that Pinot Grigio has its place in the world of wines, because it is so light, yet maintains a varied profile. Let’s take a look at Pinot Grigio’s profile:
Appearance
Pinot means “pine cone” in French. This name was given to it because it grows in pine cone-shaped bundles. Gris (the other name for Grigio) means “grey.” This name gives away its color, which is a bluish-grey. But, the color differences in the Pinot Grigio/Gris grape is tremendous; it can range from brownish to white and even black.
Aroma
Pinot Grigio/Gris often embodies a fruity smell, sometimes even citrusy. Some often attribute its smell to that of a pear.
Flavor
Pinot Grigio’s flavor is much the same as its aroma: fruity, citrusy, and similar to a pear.
Food Pairing
Pinot Grigio goes well with fish and seafood, such as salmon and tuna. It also pairs very well with items that are covered in sauce that is citrusy. Indian and Japanese Cuisines are also an excellent pairing with Pinot Grigio/Gris. But, as with all wines, preferences may vary, so feel free to experiment.
Cheese Pairing
- Asiago
- Ricotta
Even though Pinot Grigio/Gris gets a bad reputation by many connoisseurs, I would suggest it to anyone, especially beginners. Connoisseurs are often very picky about the wines they enjoy, and Pinot Grigio isn’t a ‘surprising’ wine for them, so they tend to mark it off of their order list. But, one thing is for sure – Pinot Grigio/Gris is an excellent Summer starter. Because of its light profile, it is highly refreshing, as opposed to the darker, bolder wines. This is something to enjoy while grilling salmon, or cooking a citrus salad. Don’t let anyone tell you what’s good and what isn’t. As a beginner, let your nose, and your tongue be your guide.
