Too Easy Pinot Gris

Easy as Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris (AKA Pinot Grigio - yes, it’s actually the same variety!) is an aromatic white variety whose style depends on where it is grown, and how early (or late) in the growing season it’s harvested. Pinot Grigio, traditionally grown in the cool foothills of the Italian Alps, is picked early, producing crisp, light-bodied, dry and minerally whites that are high in acidity. These wines are brilliant with foods of this area, so close to Venice: spaghetti vongole, fried calamari or even the rare-veal-slices-with-tuna-mayo classic vitello tonnato would be delicious matches. Pinot Gris is picked later in France’s Alsace region, leading to riper grapes that are higher in sugar (and potential alcohol) and have more intensity of flavour and colour. The resulting wines are usually more full-bodied than the Grigio style and have a more textural mouthfeel, making them perfect to match to the richer, fattier or spiced foods of that region: roast pork or braised ham hocks, pâté de foie gras or intense cheeses like Comté or Mimolette. For this collection, we're on the Gris side of the fence, so expect wines with just a bit more weight and flavour.

Three tasty Pinot Gris to try

In this special pack you'll enjoy: Norfolk Rise 'Coast is Clear' Pinot Gris 2023 Norfolk Rise has an abundance of ocean at their disposal to work its wonders on the vines. In this instance, we have a crunchy pinot gris with plenty of saline, pear and apple at play. The apple takes a twist with some lovely apple blossom tones and a touch of honeysuckle. This is one impressive Pinot Gris! Early Rider Pinot Gris 2024 Made using grapes from the cool Limestone Coast, Early Ride Pinot Gris is one of our recent favourites! There is a light, summery edge to this wine with balanced pear, honeysuckle and lemon zest notes which makes this perfect for warm weather. There's delicate ginger spice and a soft, supple texture to keep things easy. Windowrie Wines 'Pig in The House' Pinot Gris 2024 You can really taste the sunshine here! Made in the riper Pinot Gris mode, this pear-laden (but importantly crisp and snappy) organic NSW white has easygoing stonefruit notes with a waxy lanolin edge. Best drunk ice-cold to keep this open and lightly honeyed wine even fresher.

Fun Fact about Pinot Gris

This grape - although actually pink - is named for the dusty grey colour of its skin: Gris = grey in French, Grigio in Italian, and Grau in German, where it’s called Grauburgunder! But it’s also called Tokay d’Alsace. So there you go.