When it comes to white wines, Pinot Gris is a standout that often surprises wine lovers with its versatility and flavor. Known for its crisp acidity and delightful fruitiness, this wine has gained popularity across the globe, capturing the hearts of both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Pinot Gris—its origins, flavor profiles, food pairings, and more. Whether you’re new to this refreshing wine or looking to deepen your appreciation, let’s dive into the world of Pinot Gris!

What is Pinot Gris Wine?

Pinot Gris is a white wine known for its vibrant flavors and refreshing acidity. Originating from the Pinot family of grapes, it’s celebrated for its ability to express the characteristics of the terroir in which it’s grown. With notes of pear, apple, and citrus, Pinot Gris can be crafted into a range of styles—from crisp and dry to rich and aromatic. La Crema’s Pinot Gris, for example, exemplifies the bright fruit flavors and clean finish that make this wine a perfect choice for various occasions. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into its similarities with Pinot Grigio, explore its history, examine key growing regions, and discuss tasting notes that highlight its unique qualities.

The History and Origins of Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris has a rich history that dates back centuries, believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France. From there, it gradually spread throughout Europe, finding a home in regions like Alsace and northern Italy. The grape’s adaptability allowed it to flourish in various climates and soils, significantly influencing local winemaking traditions. As it journeyed across the globe, Pinot Gris became a favorite among winemakers, leading to diverse interpretations of this beloved varietal.

Key Regions and Terroir

The style and quality of Pinot Gris are greatly influenced by the regions where it’s grown. Factors such as soil composition, climate, and elevation play crucial roles in the grape’s development. For example, cooler climates tend to preserve acidity, resulting in fresher wines, while warmer regions may produce riper, fuller-bodied expressions. In the United States, Pinot Gris has gained popularity in areas like Oregon and California, where the unique terroir and innovative winemaking practices contribute to exciting variations of this wine.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profiles

When you pour a glass of Pinot Gris, you can typically expect an inviting aroma with notes of pear, green apple, and citrus. The taste often balances refreshing acidity with a range of flavors that can include floral undertones and mineral hints. Winemaking techniques, such as aging in stainless steel or oak, can further influence the flavor profile, leading to variations in sweetness and complexity. Whether you prefer a zesty, dry style or a richer, more aromatic version, Pinot Gris offers something for every palate.

Wait, is Pinot Gris the Same Wine as Pinot Grigio?

Yes, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio refer to the same grape variety, but they often yield different styles of wine. The distinction mainly arises from regional winemaking practices. In France, particularly in Alsace, Pinot Gris is typically fuller-bodied and showcases a more aromatic profile, with flavors of stone fruit and spice. In contrast, Italian Pinot Grigio tends to be lighter, crisper, and more citrus-forward, often emphasizing bright acidity. Understanding these differences can enhance your appreciation of this versatile grape.

Pinot Gris Food Pairings

Pinot Gris is a wonderfully versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a favorite at the dinner table. Its bright acidity and fruity notes complement light dishes such as seafood, salads, and appetizers. Here are some excellent pairings to consider:

• Seafood: Fresh dishes like salmon carpaccio or grilled shrimp.
  • Check out this seafood pairing!
• Salads: Light salads, particularly those with citrus dressings or vinaigrettes.
  • Try a cabbage kimchi salad for a refreshing crunch!
• Light Appetizers: Spiced popcorn and other crunchy snacks.
  • Explore this fun pairing idea!

For richer, off-dry styles of Pinot Gris, consider pairing with:

• Spicy Dishes: Thai or Indian cuisine, where the wine’s sweetness balances heat beautifully.
• Creamy Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese enhance the wine's richness.

Overall, the versatility of Pinot Gris allows it to enhance a wide range of flavors, making it an excellent choice for any meal.

3 Fun Facts About Pinot Gris 

1. Color-Changing Grape: The Pinot Gris grape is unique because it has a grayish-blue skin, which can sometimes look pinkish or even a bit copper-colored. This can lead to a range of hues in the wine, from pale gold to a deeper rose. 
2. Ancient Origins: Pinot Gris is believed to be one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. Its origins trace back to the early Roman Empire, and it’s closely related to Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, making it part of an ancient grape family. 
3. Versatility in Style: Pinot Gris can produce a wide range of wine styles. It can be made into anything from a crisp, dry white wine to a rich, full-bodied wine with a hint of sweetness, depending on the region and winemaking methods used. 

Introducing La Crema Pinot Gris 

Bright, fresh, light and filled with all the flavors of spring and summer, La Crema’s Pinot Gris (also known as Pinot Grigio) is an exciting addition to our family of cool-climate wines. 

How We Make Our Monterey Pinot Gris 

Making this wine required planning and a healthy dose of TLC. La Crema's Winemaker, says it all starts with finding the right place to grow the Pinot Gris, grape, a fairly finicky varietal.  “In warmer regions, the bright acidity drops, alcohol levels go up and the grapes ripen so fast they have no time to develop flavor.”  For this reason, the Winemaking Team chose Monterey, where the cool, maritime-influenced climate leads to one of the longest growing seasons in California.  The La Crema Winemaking Team chose to harvest the grapes at lower sugar levels (or brix) than our Chardonnay or Pinot Noir in order to highlight the clean, crisp flavors. “Gentle” harvesting of fruit was emphasized to avoid introducing color and bitterness to the wine. Whenever possible this meant hand-harvesting the grapes during the cool morning hours into small bins that would preserve the grapes intact until they reached the winery.  “Pinot Gris expresses itself best when handled minimally,” said La Crema Winemaker. “That’s why our grapes were pressed without de-stemming and the free run juice was kept separate from the pressed juice.”  Additional care was taken in fermenting the wine. Slow, cold fermentation and constant monitoring during and after fermentation were emphasized in order to preserve the delicate fruit and floral aromas. 

Tasting and Pairing 

The result is a wine that opens with aromas of white peach and lemon drop. On the palate, layers of yellow plum and ripe pear are punctuated with sweet spice and tropical notes with a lengthy, elegant finish.  This is a wine that is best paired with sandals, hammocks and long warm summer sunsets. An excellent food wine, our Pinot Gris is a fantastic compliment to the light pastas, fish and salads of the season.  Here are some of our favorite pinot gris and food-pairing recipes: 

• Fish Tacos with Mango Pico De Gallo 

• Pea Couscous Risotto with Mascarpone and Basil 

• Thai Coconut Vegetable and Noodle Soup 

• Japanese Izakaya: Tsukune 

Looking for more pairings? Check out our full list of Pinot Gris pairings.  “We were intrigued with Pinot Gris because it gave us the chance to create a white wine in a different style, yet with the nuance, delicacy and texture for which we’re known,” said La Crema’s winemaker. “It’s bright and juicy, with subtle floral hints – in short, the perfect choice for spring and summer.” 

Enjoy Your Perfect Pairing with La Crema

In this guide, we've explored the delightful world of Pinot Gris, from its unique characteristics and regional variations to food pairings that enhance every sip. We’ve seen how this versatile wine shines alongside fresh seafood, crisp salads, and even spicy dishes, making it an excellent choice for various occasions. At La Crema, we embrace a philosophy of quality and craftsmanship, focusing on expressing the unique terroirs of California in every bottle. Our portfolio includes a range of wines, but our Monterey Pinot Gris stands out for its bright fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, embodying everything this grape can offer. If you're new to Pinot Gris, we encourage you to dive in and discover its nuances. For those looking to deepen their appreciation, experimenting with different pairings can enhance your tasting experience. So why not treat yourself to a bottle of La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris? You’ll find that it’s the perfect addition to your next meal or gathering. SHOP PINOT GRIS