Italians and Californians refer to this white wine as pinot grigio. In Oregon and France it is known as pinot gris. The pinot grigio/pinot gris grape is the white counterpart of the red pinot noir grape.
Appearance
In general, pinot grigio wine is pale yellow, although some have a deeper golden tone with perhaps of hint of copper.
Taste
In Italy, pinot grigio is a light wine, slightly acidic, with very little sugar and a refreshing mineral after-taste. California pinot grigio tends to have a bolder flavor with a crisp citrus finish. French pinot gris is fruity with hints of peach or melon.
Cellaring
Pinot grigio is best consumed within a year or two after it is bottled.
Serving Pinot Grigio
Pinot grigio is best when served cold, about 48 degrees F. The lighter Italian and French wines pair up well with seafood and creamy sauces, while a big-flavored California pinot grigio is a good choice for lightly grilled vegetables.
Fun Fact
Pinot grigio is one of the more popular wines in America. In 2002, 6 million cases were imported from Italy, and as of 2004, 7,000 acres of California wine country were planted with pinot grigio grapes.
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