Tasting: Pinot Grigio

Name of the wine: Pinot Grigio 

Variety of the grape: Pinot Gris

Origin: Napa Valley CA 

Producer: Barefoot 

Price: $2 (187ml)

Alcohol: 12.5%

Color: Pale yellow, almost clear 

Grape varietal characteristics: Pinot Gris is a white wine grape variety currently growing in cooler regions like Pfalz, Germany and Alsace, France. Produces fruity wines with a hint of smoke. Pinkish grape mutation of Pinot Noir. Known for zesty wines. Pinot Gris typically presents ripe pear, apple, and peach notes. In cooler climates, it may lean towards citrus and green apple, while late-harvest expressions evoke tropical fruit, honey, and spice. Pairs well with seafood, salads and mild cheeses. Grows primarily in Italy, followed by the USA and then Germany. 

Aroma: Primary aroma of green apple, pineapple, peach, citrus- lemon, floral notes of orange blossom and honeysuckle, slight earthiness/natural aroma of baker's yeast 

Flavor: Crisp flavors of green apples and pineapple and citrus, secondary flavor of white peach, floral flavor and a touch of honey. Light and fruity/florally, with a dry and sour finish. Between bone dry and off dry. High acidity, well-balanced wine. Low/no tannins, not drying, and has a seamless alcohol taste. Very refreshing, crisp, and light. Four-five second finish. Not a sweet wine but because of the acidity and balance, with fruity and sour flavors and aroma, it tastes lightly sweet on the palate. 

Remarks: I was pleasantly surprised by this wine, and found that it tastes sweeter to me than it actually is- which I was surprised by as I tend to opt for sweet wines as my go-to. I think that the flavor profile, and balance, lends itself to this tasting sweeter than it actually is in terms of residual sugar. I enjoyed the aroma and thought it resembled the aroma of the sweet Riesling I had last week- even the taste was similar, just drier. I found this wine to be very refreshing and approachable.