Perfect for Any White Wine Lover: Best Pinot Grigios
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Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio -
Tenuta Luisa Pinot Grigio -
Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio -
Settecieli Pinot Grigio -
Buyer's Guide
Pinot Grigio, which is a classic Italian grape, is commonly grown in France, Italy, and the New World. In France and the New World, it can also go by the name Pinot Gris. These grapes are genetically similar to Pinot Noir grapes, and are believed to be a genetic mutation. Though it wasn't a particularly popular wine a few years ago, over the last decade it has gained considerable popularity and is a great alternative to overly acidic Sauvignon Blanc or rich Chardonnay.
Typically, Pinot Grigios are delicate wines that can be clean and dry or fruit-forward. Dry, crisp Pinot Grigios are produced by harvesting the grapes early, before the sugars are able to fully develop, while off-dry, fruity Pinots are produced by leaving the grapes on the vines for a little extra time. This varietal is known for complex aromatics that often include tropical fruit and white flowers, and a delicate taste with notes of fresh fruit. The acidity is usually fairly high, though less pronounced in sweeter wines, especially on the finish.
For more information on what to look at in selecting the best pinot grigio in 2022, We have listed below the best pinot grigio available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
Comparing the Best Grigios for 2022
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio - Best Pinot Grigio Overall
Trentino, Italy is famous for producing some of the world's best Pinot Grigio and one of our favorites to come out of this region is Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. This is a non-vintage wine that's a favorite for its classic style and great consistency. The winemakers at Santa Margherita have been making Pinot Grigio since 1961, and have perfected the art of crafting a crisp, clean wine. Though it's made from gray grapes that could lend a touch of rose coloration to the wine, this one is a perfectly light straw yellow. This wine has an incredibly fragrant bouquet and a clean, acidic flavor that allows it to pair well with seafood and other light meals. Since this is an incredibly popular wine, it's also relatively easy to find at both specialty wine shops and large grocery or liquor stores.
Tenuta Luisa Pinot Grigio - Runner Up
Made in northern Italy, where Pinot Grigio got its name, Luisi Pinot Grigio is one of the best around. This wine has scored in the high 80's and low 90's with professional critics and embodies all the best qualities of this soft, subtle wine. It features notes of tropical fruit and flowers, with just a touch of sweet nectarine on the finish. Since there is a little bit of residual sugar in this wine, it's not as dry as many other Pinot Grigios. This makes it the ideal counterpart to a spicy curry dish.
Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio - Best Pinot Grigio Under $20
One of California's most well-known wineries produces an excellent Pinot Grigio at a great price. Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio is one of our Best Picks because it's delicate, complex, and a great deal. This wine has notes of citrus, mineral, and white fruit. It's crisp and very dry, with a high acidity that's makes it ideal with seafood dishes.
Settecieli Pinot Grigio - Best Pinot Grigio Under $20
A favorite with wine enthusiasts and wine critics, Settecieli Pinot Grigio is an excellent, incredibly crisp wine. From the Umbria region of Italy, this wine has been crafted using traditional Italian techniques that have made this varietal popular around the world. It's aged in steel and taken off the skins immediately, allowing the qualities of grapes to shine through. There's not much fruit to this wine, just a little hint of apple. Instead, it features strong flavors of stone. This minerality makes it perfect to pair with shellfish. Since this is such a clean, crisp wine, it can be hard to pick out the subtle flavors so be sure not to serve it too cold.
Buyer's Guide
A party in your mouth, Pinot Grigio is one of the best white wines in the world. Buying this fruity wine may be challenging because many things ensure the quality of this delectable wine. The following buying guide may help you pick the best Pinot Grigio bottle.
What Things to Consider When Buying the Best Pinot Grigio?
Age of the Wine
As wine ages, it becomes stronger and more desirable. However, this is not the case when it comes to Pinot Grigio. Instead of concentrating on it for decades, a Pinot Grigio is best enjoyed after 5 years of aging. All in all, you can experience the best of this white wine when consumed early.
Area of Production
Originating from Burgundy, France, Pinot Grigio is produced in some of the most facilitated yet famous wineries worldwide, like its twin Pinot Noir. Currently, countries responsible for producing high-quality Pinot Grigio are :
- France
- Italy
- Austria
- New Zealand
- California
- Oregon
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Australia
Taste
Since it's a dry wine extracted straight from grapes, the typical flavor of Pinot Grigio is fruity, acidic, refreshing, and light. Climate and aging can impact the flavors of Pinot Grigio. Still, the introductory notes you get are pretty much the same. When consumed in its best form, an explosion of refreshing flavors is experienced, such as:
- Citrus fruits
- Apples
- Apricot
- Honey
- Honeysuckle
- Almonds
- Different spice notes
Sweetness
Pinot Grigio is extracted from grapes which means that it naturally has a sweet flavor profile. Adding sugar content can destroy the layers of natural flavors hidden in the bottle. It is also one of the dry white wines with lower sugar content than others. Despite being a dry wine, it does offer an extensive flavor profile that leaves your taste buds wanting more.
Climate
The climate in which grapes are grown and wine is made has strongly affected the overall flavor. Starting from France, it is now being produced in some of the finest wineries around the world. Pinot Grigio grown in warmer regions is sweeter and offers a citrusy finish on each sip. It is more refreshing and does not offer dense notes of flavors. Unlike warmer climates, Pinot Grigio grown in colder regions like Germany and Switzerland has a spicy finish and more acidic flavor notes.
Color and Texture
Just like its flavors, Pinot Grigio is also light on the eye. It comes in a variety of pastel colors like yellow, rose pink and deep gold. Texture-wise, you can sip on smooth and silky layers of aged grape juice that deliver a solid punch to your taste buds upon each sip.
Alcohol Content
Pinot Grigio is considered light-bodied with medium alcohol content. The citrusy wine is a top choice among many wine enthusiasts because it delivers the right flavors at the right time. A standard bottle has 12.5% to 13.5% of alcohol under the medium alcohol content category.
What is the Flavor Profile of a Pinot Grigio?
You will find 2 variations in the flavors depending on the region the wine comes from.
Minerally and Dry Pinot Grigio
The minerally and dry version of Pinot Grigio is extracted from cooler regions. The wine in these areas is made from highly acidic grapes. You will experience rich citrus-flavored acidic notes on each sip.
It pairs perfectly with light summer snacks. The best versions are exported from countries like Italy, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Fruity and Dry Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio with fruity flavor notes is made in wineries located in hotter regions. This wine is lighter with an oily texture and tastes like apples and peaches. Oenologists go through a bacterial fermentation process to achieve these flavors along with a luscious texture. It is grown and made in hotter areas like the US, Australia, and New Zealand.
How to Serve Pinot Grigio?
It is considered one of the most refreshing delectables that new and old wine drinkers can enjoy at the same time. You can serve Pinot Grigio on a bunch of different occasions and events.
Rich Foods
Whether you enjoy your favorite curry or just having a moment with the best fish in town, Pinot Grigio can complement those dense flavors with its light and refreshing taste.
Events
The acidic and delicious flavors of Pinot Grigio can be enjoyed at any event, along with a snack or meal. Holidays, formal dinners, weddings, birthdays, movie nights — all occasions are perfect to pop open that bottle.
Temperature
Pinot Grigio is best enjoyed when cool. However, serving it warm or too cold may not deliver the flavors you are looking for. To experience the best of Pinot Grigio, drink it when it's chilled at 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gift
As a delicious wine, It is definitely on the try-it list for many people, and those who have tried it certainly want more. Gift it to someone at their wedding, or take it as a thanksgiving dinner gift for your favorite person!
How to Pair Pinot Grigio With Meals?
The type of meal does not matter if you know the exact flavors to pair Pinot Grigio with. Heavy dishes like fish, steaks, and seafood complement the drink perfectly as the acidic flavors cut through the denser textures and cook on the meat.
Since it has a tart flavor, pairing Pinot Grigio with acidic fruits and vegetables may not be good. For instance, you may not enjoy it when paired with things like tomato sauce or a citrus fruit bowl. The acidity from foods cancels out any flavors from the drink, leaving no impact on the taste buds.
Final Thoughts Pinot Grigio
is a refreshing floral wine with citrusy flavors appreciated by wine enthusiasts around the globe. When paired with the right foods, the wine can add volumes to the flavors.
It has two primary flavors: the minerally dry one that comes from colder regions and the fruity dry flavor that originates from the warmer areas. Chill it before drinking to experience the best Pinot Grigio flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Pinot Grigio be used in cooking?
A: Cooking wine must have a crisp and acidic flavor. Pinot Grigio is a dry wine that turns bitter, so it is not recommended for cooking.
Q: Is Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris the same drink?
A: Both Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are made from the same grape. However, the grapes are riper and slightly more acidic in Pinot Gris as compared to Pinot Grigio.
Q: In which country is Pinot Grigio originated from?
A: Pinot Grigio originated from Burgundy, France but is now a famous product of Italy.
