Tasting Notes

Pinot Gris has a rich history dating back to the middle ages. It is believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France as a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape and was called Fromenteau. The Pinot Gris grape spread across Europe and by the 18th century was being cultivated in Switzerland, Hungary, Germay and Northern Italy. It is the parent of Pinot Grigio but is richer, more silky and more expressive.

🎯 Overall Character - Pinot Gris is best described as a versatile grape that can produce a wide range of wine styles. The region where the grape is grown has the most significant impact on the wine’s characteristics. It has diverse flavour profiles ranging from crisp to rich, silky and aromatic. Unlike its Pinot Grigio cousin, this grape produced full body rich wines with moderate to high alcohol levels.

🌼 On the Nose (Aromatics) - Pinot Gris is notably more aromatic and layered than the lean Italian “Grigio” style. Primary aromas offered is Stone fruit; peach, apricot and nectarine, Orchard fruit such as ripe pear, yellow apple and Citrus aromas of lemon and orange zest. Pinot Gris offers floral aromas of honeysuckle, acacia and white rose along with ginger spice, smoke and wet stone. Secondary aromas present are Honey, almond and marzipan. Brioche or pastry notes also present from lees aging. Late harvest Pinot Gris offers aromas of dried apricot, candied citrus and saffron.

🍏 On the Palate - Pinot Gris is a medium to full body wine with medium acidity. It often has a silky round and sometimes creamy texture with moderate - high alcohol levels of 11-14.5% ABV. It exhibits fruit flavours of pear, peach, and citrus oil for dry styles. Off dry styles produced in Alsace France often have notes of honeyed stone fruit, melon and ginger. late harvest wines would show flavours of apricot jam, marmalade and honeycomb. Pinot Gris often has a slightly oily or waxy texture, one of its signature traits.

🌍 Regional Style Differences

• Alsace (France) – Benchmark Pinot Gris. Rich, spicy, full-bodied with pear, peach, honey and ginger aromas and flavours. Often produced in off dry style.

• Oregon (USA) – Fresh yet textural. Pear, melon and citrus aromas and flavours. Produced in the dry style.

• Germany – dry style wine with minerality in a richer style with apple, pear and spice flavours.

• New Zealand – Aromatic and vibrant with peach, citrus, and floral notes.

🕰️ Aging Profile - Pinot Gris is generally enjoyed as a young or fresh wine between 1-3 years in order to enjoy it’s pronounced citrus flavours. It can be aged 5+ years. As the wine ages the citrus flavours gradually mellow and develop into tropical fruit flavours such as peach and pineapple. It becomes richer and creamier and more suitable to be enjoyed with richer dishes.