Common synonyms: Pinot Gris, “white Pinot Noir,” (but not to be confused with Pinot Blanc, which is another grape entirely), Pinot Beurot (France), Rulander (Germany), Tokay d’Alsace,
Parentage of the grape: Burgundy as Pinot Gris in the 1300s.
History of the grape: Pinot Gris was planted in Burgundy, France as far back as the 1300s. It then spread through Europe, via Alsace, Switzerland and into Germany, eventually making it to Italy, where it was given the name Pinot Grigio. When Phylloxera hit Burgundy, Pinot Gris with its original characteristics was wiped out and the hybrids grafted with American stock to save the vines were never the same quality, so crops were left to mostly die out. But in the Alsace region, Germany and Italy, the hybrids fared much better and the grape was able to thrive. It was brought to Australia in the 1830s by James Busby, who is credited with being the “Father of Australian Wine.” It was eventually brought over to
Read more »
Common synonyms: Pinot Gris, “white Pinot Noir,” (but not to be confused with Pinot Blanc, which is another grape entirely), Pinot Beurot (France), Rulander (Germany), Tokay d’Alsace,
Parentage of the grape: Burgundy as Pinot Gris in the 1300s.
History of the grape: Pinot Gris was planted in Burgundy, France as far back as the 1300s. It then spread through Europe, via Alsace, Switzerland and into Germany, eventually making it to Italy, where it was given the name Pinot Grigio. When Phylloxera hit Burgundy, Pinot Gris with its original characteristics was wiped out and the hybrids grafted with American stock to save the vines were never the same quality, so crops were left to mostly die out. But in the Alsace region, Germany and Italy, the hybrids fared much better and the grape was able to thrive. It was brought to Australia in the 1830s by James Busby, who is credited with being the “Father of Australian Wine.” It was eventually brought over to America in the 1960s.
Characteristics of the grape: Crisp, dry, light-bodied, acidic lemony flavors when produced in Italy. Can take on richer and more aromatic flower characteristics with pear or melon-like flavors in places like Alsace and Oregon. In California, it is more light-bodied, acidic and herbal (grassy) than in Oregon, closer to the Italian version.
Regions where the grape currently is important: Lombardy and Alto Adige, Italy. Alsace, France. Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Oregon and California and Brazil.
Type or types of wines the grape produces: light to medium-bodied dry whites.
– Description from
Amanda Schuster
(hide)
Stay Connected
Get our free newsletter
SubmitSnooth Newsletters