Someone recently asked me for a recommendation for Pinot Grigio.  This gave me pause, because unless I’m at an event where the only choice for white wine is Pinot Grigio, I don’t drink it.  The Pinot Grigio being offered at those events is to wine what Coors Light is to beer:  lightly flavored water.  Not all Pinot Grigio is like that, however, and if you are set on drinking it, there are decent bottles out there.

Pinot Grigio is a mutation of Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, also known as Pinot Gris (translates to “Pinot Gray”). It grows in Northern Italy, Germany, France, US, and Australia. The French and US versions tend to be a little spicier, more golden in color, and more full-bodied.

The best Italian Pinot Grigio comes from the regions of Alta-Aldige and Fruili-Venezia Giulia in the Northeast of Italy.  The grape is also grown and produced in commercial bulk varieties in the Veneto region for what I like to call “supermarket wines” (the version served at events, not recommended). 

The grapes are harvested early to retain high acidity; if left to ripen too long, the wine produced will not have enough acid and seem flabby or flat. The citrus zestiness is retained by fermentation in stainless steel, rather than barrels.  It can also come in a frizzante (lightly sparkling) style in Italy.

Hugel Pinot Gris Classic from Alsace, France is an excellent choice to taste what Alsatian Pinot Gris can be. This one is more pear than citrus, with a nice round mouth feel, yet enough acidity to not be flabby. Hugel is readily available at most liquor stores in the area. $18 at Wineworks.

Chehalem Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2019 (Oregon) is a great choice for a US-version of the grape.  This wine has flavors of ripe pear and lemon, with bright acidity and a full-mouth feel, and a surprisingly long finish.  $15 at Wineworks.

Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli 2019  (Fruili, Italy) is a lovely version of what Pinot Grigio from Italy can be.  Aromas of white flowers and stone fruit join ripe pear, peach and melon on the palate, with a tangy, full-bodied mouth feel. $20 at Wineworks. 

Scarpetta Pinot Grigio 2019 (Venezia), a winery owned and operated by Bobby Stuckey, M.S. and Chef Lachlan Patterson, produces a great Pinot Grigio. Beginning with aromas of white flowers, peach and apricot, the wine is dry and crisp, with flavors of stone fruit, lime, melon, pear, and minerality on the palate. As you would expect from a chef, this wine pairs really well with fish, chicken, pork, and prosciutto (if the pig on the label didn’t give you a hint).  $14 at Wineworks.

Serve any of these at the next event rather than the usual insipid, watery version, and I will be happy!