International Pinot Gris/Grigio Day – May 17 (Today)

What, When, Where, Why, History, Tasting Notes, Pairing

May 17, 2023

What: International Pinot Grigio Day, featuring Pinot Grigio, the light, crisp, dry wine that has loads of zippy acidity. Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape. It also has 105 other aliases like Zelenak and Ouche.When: May 17

Why: Pinot Grigio/Gris is the second most popular white wine in the United States and wildly popular around the world.

Ferrari-Carano Winery, Sonoma County, California

Where can you find them: Northeastern Italy, Oregon, California, Australia, Alsace/France, New Zealand (North Island), Germany (order a Grauer Burgunder,) Argentina, Czech Republic, South Africa, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine. Note the beautiful gardens at Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, California. I have recommended their Pinot Grigio.

Pairing: Goes with seafood, light pasta dishes, gruyere or Manchego cheeses. If high acid, avoid tomato-based recipes or citrus fruits.

Spritzers? Yes, a great spritz with sparkling water on a summer’s day.

Pronunciation: “Pee-Noh Gree-Jhee-Oh”

History: Pinot Gris (initially labeled at Tokay d’Alsace) spread from Burgundy, France to Switzerland by the 1300s. Vine breeders developed a clone varietal in the 20^th century that turned an unreliable grape into a successful one. Around 2005, Pinot Gris started its worldwide popularity especially in Northeast Italy and in the US and New World spots. Pinot Gris thrives in cooler climates (like Willamette Valley, Oregon.)

Tasting Notes/Styles: Light to medium body with tangy acidity and citrus aromas (Italian Grigio style) OR full-bodied with a rich texture, tropical fruit, peach, apricot and sometimes is sweet (Pinot Gris of Alsace, France). Both are normally very dry, unoaked, and unblended. This is not a wine you would store in your cellar for years. It should be consumed within three years of its vintage.

Let’s Celebrate Pinot Gris/Grigio Day!

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