CENTRE COUNTY — For most people entering into the world of wine, pinot grigio is one of the first grape varieties they explore. Crisp, light and refreshingly easy to drink, it’s a staple at dinner tables and summer gatherings alike.
But while it may be familiar, there’s more to this widely loved white than meets the eye. Though this grape — which is one of eight commonly planted grape varieties around the world: pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, merlot and cabernet sauvignon — is know for its simple wines, it has the ability to be finessed into fine wines.
Pinot grigio, also known as pinot gris in France, is a mutation of the red grape pinot noir. Its skins have a distinctive grayish-pink hue, which gives the variety its name — gris meaning gray in French.
Though it is of French origin, the largest production of this grape variety comes from Italy.
In Italy, particularly in regions like Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige, pinot grigio is celebrated for its fresh, citrusy profile with notes of green apple, pear and white flowers. These wines are typically crisp and dry, making them an easygoing favorite.
However, when grown in Alsace, France, pinot gris takes on a richer, more opulent character, offering flavors of ripe stone fruit, honey and spice, often with a fuller body.
Beyond Europe, winemakers in Oregon have embraced pinot gris, crafting wines that strike a balance between the Italian and Alsatian styles. These expressions often feature vibrant acidity alongside lush fruit notes, making them food-friendly and complex.
Despite its reputation as a simple, refreshing white, pinot grigio has the potential to be much more. In the hands of skilled vintners, it can be transformed into a complex wine with aging potential.
SOLENA ESTATE PINOT GRIS WILLAMETTE VALLEY 2022
Oregon is primarily known for its pinot noir and pinot grigio production. Both grape varieties do well in the cooler, more temperate climate.
According to Willamette Valley Wine Association, just over 5,000 acres of pinot grigio — more commonly called pinot gris in the state — is planted. Though that is about a fourth of the amount of pinot noir planted in the area, it is the second most grown grape in the state.
The Willamette Valley’s unique combination of volcanic and marine sedimentary soils, coupled with its long, cool growing season, allows for the production of wines with bright acidity and complex flavors. Willamette’s pinot gris tend to showcase more delicate, nuanced expressions with vibrant fruit and earthy undertones.
“This pinot gris strikes that elusive balance of creamy, refreshing and fruit-forward. It is refreshing and delicious on its own but goes nicely with a variety of foods,” Solena’s Estate website shared. “The wine begins with aromas of honeysuckle blossom and crunchy apple. Upon first sip the palate is luscious and juicy. Flavors of lemon zest, lychee and pear turn into a clean mineral finish.”
A bottle of Solena Estate retails for $20 at the Fine Wine and Good Spirits at 1682 N. Atherton St.
Pair this bottle of wine with a salad, seafood or cream-based pasta.
ILAURI TAVO PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE
The Veneto region, particularly known for producing high-quality pinot grigio, benefits from a cooler Alpine influence and well-draining alluvial soils that contribute to the crisp, mineral-driven character of its wines. This combination of climate and terroir makes Veneto one of Italy’s premier regions for producing fresh, food-friendly white wines.
“The celebrated pinot grigio varietal has been known since the Middle Ages in the Burgundy region and derives from a bud mutation of pinot noir. In partnership with our winemaker, we supervise an exquisite parcel in the Northeastern region of Veneto, home to Italy’s most popular white wine,” Illauri’s website stated, describing its wine as having a “silk-like texture” with notes of melon, orange blossom and mango.
A bottle of Ilauri Tavo retails for $10 at the Fine Wine and Good Spirits at 1682 N. Atherton St.
