Well it doesn’t matter since Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the exact same thing. The Italians like to call theirs Pinot Grigio while most of the rest of world uses Pinot Gris.

Well it doesn’t matter since Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the exact same thing. The Italians like to call theirs Pinot Grigio while most of the rest of world uses Pinot Gris. The wine is white but the grapes are not. Yep, that picture of the Pinot Gris fruit is not a mistake. In fact, the grapes hanging on the vine may have given rise to the name as Pinot Gris is French for Pinecone Gray and may have it genesis from the shape and color of fruit. What, you say those grapes aren’t grey? Well they can range in color from brownish purple/pink to black/gray. Ok, enough about the fruit.

The real story with Pinot Gris is that it has now passed White Zinfandel in sales! You may already know that Chardonnay is the king of white wines and now Pinot Gris has now moved into the number 2 slot. Others are now discovering what the Pacific Northwest has known for some time. Pinot Gris tastes great! Pinot Gris is less filling! Kind of reminds me of a beer commercial but I think it’s true. Pinot Gris is a great fruity wine with peach, nectarine, pear, melon flavors yet its light to medium body doesn’t fill you up.

Gris’ from the Pacific Northwest are almost exclusively fermented and aged in stainless steel and hence will deliver on the fruit forward clean crisp kind of wine that is just perfect for the warm summer days on the deck or nights sitting round a cozy fire on the beach. You’ll find both of our Pinot Gris’ bone dry with no residual sugar, i.e. they’re not sweet. Naked Pinot Gris has enough fruit (apple, melon) to seem sweet to the palate and is popular among fans of sweeter wines. Our Escort Pinot Gris will remind you of blanched almonds with hints of nectarine and some minerality will persist during the finish. Which should you pick? If you like fruity go then get Naked. If you normally drink Chardonnays, then pick up an Escort.

What foods should match well with Pinot Gris? Salmon, salmon, and salmon. Halibut fish tacos, or maybe some warm brie with fresh apple/pear slices. Or how about a B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato) wrap. Ever been challenged to suggest the perfect wine for roast turkey, new parsley potatoes and asparagus? Well Pinot Gris is the hot call. Death to White Zin! Long live Pinot Grigio!