About a year ago, there was a lot of publicity and buzz
about
”
Sideways,
”
a film that received a nomination for an Academy Award for best
picture. With all of the hype surrounding the movie, I knew at some
point I would be referring to this piece of work.
About a year ago, there was a lot of publicity and buzz about “Sideways,” a film that received a nomination for an Academy Award for best picture. With all of the hype surrounding the movie, I knew at some point I would be referring to this piece of work.
A number of times in the movie, the grape varietal pinot noir was placed on a pedestal in the kingdom of grapes. I will, at another time, discuss the many things I loved and disliked about the movie. My diatribe will include how we are a society that is easily influenced by media and pop culture. However, this column is going to focus on the “other pinot” – pinot grigio.
Pinot grigio, or pinot gris as it is known in France, is the most popular imported wine in the United States. In 2002, more than six million cases were sold, accounting for more than 12 percent of all imported wines. That number has no doubt since increased.
Pinot grigio first earned its reputation in northern Italy, one place where the grape is grown. But that reputation was not very flattering. Many wine experts and publications have described pinot grigio as boring and uninteresting, much like my blind dates have described me to their friends. Sommeliers, otherwise known as wine experts, tend to eviscerate pinot grigio from every wine list, too.
A newer understanding of pinot grigio has enveloped our senses, most of this spurned on by the “ABC” phenomenon. No, not the television network, but an attitude of wine consumers to order or purchase “anything but chardonnay.”
In general, pinot grigio is a white wine that is delicate, highly acidic and light-bodied. But it was not always a light wine. Until the early 1960s, pinot grigio was often heavy, flabby and oxidized. The winemaker at Santa Margherita, currently the most-consumed brand in the world, decided to make a few changes and modernize pinot grigio.
He removed the grape skins immediately after crushing the grapes and made a pure, white wine. He fermented the wine in stainless steel tanks, aging it at cool temperatures to help maintain its fruity aroma and taste.
Although most of pinot grigio grown and produced comes from Italy and France, American vintners have increased the number of acres planted by 20 percent in the last year alone – almost all in Oregon and California.
There are not a lot of strong aromas coming from pinot grigio, but you can usually find some citrus, pear, melon and grassy notes.
Some say that pinot grigio will out-pair chardonnay with most foods. I am not experienced enough with pinot grigio to give a strong opinion, but I do like it with mild fish, sushi, egg dishes, sandwiches, salads and barbecued meats. Like champagne, the high acidity in the wine gets your mouth watering and opens up your taste buds.
Pinot grigio is a great warm-weather wine because it is light and refreshing. It also is an excellent alternative when making homemade sangria if you wish to use a white wine instead of red.
One of the best things about pinot grigio is the relative low cost of the wine. Because it is produced in large quantities, most bottles range from $7 to $20.
This weekend I am off to do some wine tasting down in Paso Robles. This is the first time I have had the chance to explore this region, so I am looking forward to the experience. If I behave, I will take some copious notes and report back to you soon.
Cheers!
Try Pinot Grigio
If you want a couple of recommendations for pinot grigio, here are few I have tasted and enjoyed. The bottles recommended come from France, Italy and California. If you want, arrange a tasting with friends to determine which style appeals to you the most.
– 2004 Santa Margherita pinot grigio, Italy ($18)
– 2003 Dopff & Irion Tokay pinot gris, France ($13)
– 2004 Estancia pinot grigio, California ($12)
Bottle of the Week
Kirigin Cellars, Gilroy
www.kirigincellars.com
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc (2004)
Price: $14.90
Grape: 100 percent sauvignon blanc
Flavors: Crisp and slightly fruity
Where: The wine can be purchased at the winery, located at 11550 Watsonville Road in Gilroy. Kirigin Cellars can be reached at (408) 847-8827.
