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Varietal:
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Pinot Gris
- Also known as Pinot Gris in France, where it originated as a mutation of Pinot Noir. The berries can vary in color from yellowish to bluish-violet producing wines that range from white to slightly pink. The most successful wines from the grape come from the Collio in Friuli (Northeast Italy), where the wines are light- to medium-bodied, crisp, dry and, because of their high acidity, complementary to the region's foods like speck, Prosciutto di San Daniele and polenta. In Alsace, where the grape takes a back seat to more popular varietals like Gewürztraminer and Riesling, it is generally rich and honeyed. Other successful plantings of Pinot Grigio exist in Austria, Germany, Hungary and Romania, with even smaller amounts planted in British Columbia, Australia, New Zealand and California. |
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Country:
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Austria
- Austria is a well-respected wine-growing region in Europe. Yet, even though they make about a third the volume of wine as Germany, not many of these fine bottles make it to the shelves of American wine merchants or restaurants. Lucky for us, their anonymity has translated into incredible value from simple, everyday whites to exquisite dessert wines. Austria shares many grape varieties with Germany—Riesling is king here, too. But the style of Austrian whites is much dryer and more potent. Grüner Veltliner is Austria's second-most-important varietal and makes whites of great versatility and pleasure. |
