| Pinot Gris :Of similar origin
to Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris owes most of its
American popularity to Oregon winemakers (though
the Willamette Valley version bears little resemblance
to Italy's Pinot Grigio!). It is much less perfumed
that Gewurztraminer, with very little aromatic
quality. It makes up for that with its food versatility
and rich extract of tree fruits such as peaches
and pears. Pinot Gris exhibits and exciting spicy
quality and acidity in the mouth.
Pinot Gris is generally found wherever Pinot
Noir is grown, especially in France where it is
to be found in Burgundy, but nowadays it is better
known in Alsace. There are plantings in Germany,
Italy and in Central and South-East Europe, in
U.S.A. where small plantings have been established
in several states, and in Australia.
In Australia, although a variety bearing that
name was introduced in 1832, it is only in the
1990s that the true variety has achieved recognition
by growers and consumers, with the most important
but small plantings located in Victoria, and Tasmania
and South Australia.
In Australia the varietal label Pinot Gris will
usually indicate a wine made in the full-bodied
style of Alsace in France and Germany, whilst
the label Pinot Grigio will usually indicate that
the wine is made in the dry, lighter, Italian-influenced
style.
|