Pinot Grigio - worth spending a bit more…
Pinot Grigio is a popular white wine known for its light and crisp characteristics. It is made from the Pinot Gris grape variety, which is believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France. Pinot Grigio is also commonly associated with Italy, particularly the northeastern region of Veneto, where it is widely grown and produced.
In terms of appearance, Pinot Grigio wines tend to have a pale straw-yellow color, sometimes with hints of green. The wine is typically clear and bright, reflecting its refreshing nature.
Pinot Grigio is celebrated for its fresh and vibrant aromas. It often exhibits fragrances of citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Other common aromas include green apple, pear, white peach, and melon. Some Pinot Grigio wines may also display floral notes or subtle herbal undertones.
When it comes to taste, Pinot Grigio is recognized for its crisp and dry profile. It generally has a light to medium body and moderate acidity, which contributes to its refreshing character. The flavors of Pinot Grigio can vary, but they often include citrus fruits like lemon and lime, along with orchard fruits such as apple and pear. Some wines may have a touch of minerality or herbal notes, adding complexity to the overall taste.
Pinot Grigio is appreciated for its versatility and easy-drinking nature. It pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a popular choice for many occasions. It goes nicely with light seafood dishes, salads, pasta, white meats, and soft cheeses. Its crisp acidity can help cut through rich or creamy sauces, balancing the flavors of the meal.
Overall, Pinot Grigio is a delightful white wine that offers a refreshing and approachable drinking experience. Its lightness, citrusy aromas, and crisp flavors make it a popular choice for those seeking a straightforward, easy-to-enjoy white wine option.
Everyone knows that you can get a cheap bottle of Pinot Grigio…don’t they. BUT, LISTEN ! cheap is not always the best (at 4D we like a bit of value). Here are three recommendations for Pinot Grigio wines, ranging from affordable to more expensive:
Fresh
- Brand: Barefoot
- Price range: £8 - $10 (approx.)
- Description: Barefoot Pinot Grigio is an affordable and widely available option. It offers a light and crisp taste with notes of citrus, green apple, and melon. This wine is perfect for casual occasions and pairs well with light dishes like seafood, salads, or chicken.
Mid-range:
- Price range: £20 - $25 (approx.)
- Made by Master of Wine, Michael Brajkovich from sustainably grown Pinot Gris grapes that are hand harvested and sorted in the Kumeu Vineyards then gently whole bunch pressed & fermented using local wild yeast with extended maturation on the yeast lees.
The aromas have typical peach and stone fruit notes tinged with the floral perfume that you expect from Pinot Gris, this wine is lively, complex and lingers on the palate.
The perfect companion to spicy Mexican and Asian Fusion dishes.
Classic, not a Pinot Grigio at all
- Brand: Piemonte La Guistiniana Lugarara
- Price range: £20 -$25 (approx.)
- If you like a Pinot Grigio , you are almost certain to like a Gavi di Gavi and we have found an excellent one . This estate covers 110 hectares in the heart of the commune of Rovereto in Gavi and the winery is managed by Magda Pedrini and the production is focused on showing the potential of Gavi di Gavi from the two single vineyards of the estate: Lugarara and Montessora.
The two vineyards sit side by side at 300 metres above sea level, but they have very different soils and showcase two very different expressions of the Cortese grape.
Straw yellow in colour with a greenish hue, this wine delights with aromas of white fruit, stone fruit and lime zest, which are immediately beguiling and are followed by a subtle yet persistent bouquet of green apples and the palate is well balanced with fresh acidity and good structure with almond notes on the finish.
Please note that wine prices may vary depending on your location and the specific retailer. It's always a good idea to check local wine shops or online platforms to find the most accurate and up-to-date prices for these wines.
4D also recommends
Just so you know a wine merchant is a good friend to have . We at 4D recommend https://www.thesecretcellar.co.uk/ in the UK and https://www.totalwine.com/ in the US. Wine merchants usually charge ony a few more coins for their wine, but they work on your behalf to find better options and their advice is well worth a little extra !