🏡 The Leslie Styles
With the heat wave and sunny skies this week, the crisp refreshing feel of a glass of Pinot Grigio on the patio has been popping up in our thoughts. Or maybe it’s a glass of Pinot Gris. Wait… are they the same? What makes them different?
First, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are made from the same grape. Where their difference lies is in styles. When you see Pinot Grigio on the label, expect an Italian style wine that’s dry, fresh and crisp with lots of citrus fruit flavour, minerality and light body.
As for Pinot Gris, it is made in a traditional French style and often shows more of the grapes aromatics and complexity. Pinot Gris often has tropical fruit aromas, lower acidity, higher alcohol levels and is more full-bodied. If Pinot Grigio is for an afternoon on a summer Sunday, then Pinot Gris is meant for sharing by the evening bonfire.
Some quick Pinot Grigio / Gris facts:
– Pinot Grigio grape skins have a pink hue.
– Pelee Pinot Gris Vendage Tardive name means “late harvest” usually indicates a sweet wine but this wine was left for longer fermentation meaning the more developed fruit flavours come across with a higher alcohol, more body and little remaining sugar/ sweetness.
– Pinot Grigio loves the heat making Pelee Island, with our most heat units in Canada, ideal Pinot Grigio growing conditions.
– The limestone basin of the island adds unique minerality to the wines making Pelee Pinot Grigio a unique taste of the region.
Pinot Grigio VQA
TASTING NOTES: Pale gold in colour. Light floral nose. Ripe pears and apricots on the palate with a nutty finish. Medium-bodied and low to medium acidity with plenty of extract, giving this wine its signature silky, rich mouth feel.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Seafood tostada bites, orzo risotto with buttery shrimp or grilled chicken with goat cheese and peppers. Spicy vegetarian Indian dishes.
RECIPE TO TRY: Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Lola Pinot Grigio VQA
TASTING NOTES: A very refreshing white wine with flavours of lemons, limes, green apples, and honeysuckle.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Seafood, white meats or raw vegan dishes.
RECIPE TO TRY: Raw Pad Thai
J.S. Hamilton White – Pinot Gris Vendage Tardive VQA
TASTING NOTES: Lively flavours of pear and peach with a hint of sweetness.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Cream-based seafood dishes or well-aged cheeses. Vegetarian pasta salad.
RECIPE TO TRY: Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce
Whichever you choose, Grigio or Gris, we hope you enjoy.
Cheers!
Pssttt… Don’t forget while you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your birthday!