Pinot Grigio/Gris

Just like her good friend Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio is a go-to wine for many. These grapes are one of the darkest varieties to produce white wine, and are originally from Alsace, France. Since this wine has a tendency to have a high alcohol level – I see the students among you now taking interest – it is also a very well respected wine in this region. 

What am I getting?
Pinot Grigio is known for being spicy, but fear not spice-aphobes, I’m not talking about Vindaloo level ‘RIP tastebuds’, this is much more subtle. If you pay attention to the name used, either ‘Grigio’ or ‘Gris’, it works as good indicator of how dry the wine will be. The Italian style ‘Grigio’ tends to be dryer, with a crisp apple vibe. However, the Alsace style ‘Gris’ is often richer and occasionally has a wonderful smokiness to it.

What can I drink it with?
The richer Pinot Grigios are great with Thai foods or spicy seafoods since their wonderful flavors are difficult to mask. That said, the crispness of these wines means they offer a fantastic contrast with smoky, creamy foods like Spaghetti Carbonara.
 
I want it!
Check out these beauties.
Let’s not go crazy…
Pinot Grigio Superiore 2017 Breganze (dry, Italy) £8.49 per bottle
All out… 
2016 Reuilly Pinot Gris, Les Chatillons, Denis Jamain (dry, France) £14.95 per bottle