Pinot Gris wine tasting in Aosta Valley

Together with its sparkling counterpart Prosecco, Pinot Grigio is arguably one of the very most popular Italian wine styles, a classic refreshing and zesty white, perfect for easy enjoyment and on warm summery days.

While most believe Pinot Grigio originated in Italy, it was actually born, like many of the most popular grapes of the world, in France, where it is known as Pinot Gris. Thought to be a mutation of the red grape Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris’ skins are not green like other white grapes, but instead have a greyish blue hue, which is what gives them their name.

Every part of this white wine is interesting from the grapes to the taste of the wine. Although the colour of Pinot Grigio varies from country to country, in Italy and Switzerland it is a soft pink colour. The style of this wine varies from region to region, and in Northern Italy lighter, ‘spritzy’ wine is produced. Like Italy’s famous red wines, the Pinot Grigio grape grows better in the Northern areas of the country.

In Aosta Valley Pinot Grigio often made in the French style: are generally speaking made from very ripe grapes which have had more sun exposure, resulting in lush, richer, fuller,  flavors with soft acidity. 

These wines tend to be fuller-bodied, richer, barrel fermented with the intention to age, and often feature  tropical fruits notes such as nectarine, melon, mango, and honeysuckle. Typically they are also finished with some residual sugar via stopping the fermentation prior to completion.

Common tasting notes for Italian style Pinot Grigios include granny smith apple, meyer lemon, and lime zest.

Try a glass of this Pinot Grigio with lighter flavors such as fish, salads, chicken, cheese, or a meatier fish like swordfish, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camenbert, richers seafood dishes like lobster, scallops, or salmon, and Parmesan focused pasta dishes!

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