Pinot Gris: Aromatic White Wine
From the Anderson Valley
Fruity and fuller-bodied than Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris first rose to prominence in Burgundy and France, during the Middle Ages. A mutation of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris again emerged in Germany in the early 1700s before making its way to Austria, Hungary, Northern Italy, and, ultimately, California.
Valley Foothills Vineyard, and then Navarro Vineyards, became the first Anderson Valley vineyards to grow the grape. Produced from the same grape as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris differs from the other popular white wine variety in that it historically comes from Alsace, a region in eastern France, rather than Northern Italy, where vintners produce Pinot Grigio. Available in both dry and sparkling varieties, fans may find that Pinot Gris wine sometimes has a richer, spicier flavor than its lighter, crisper Italian counterpart, with both environmental factors and production styles influencing the flavor of each variety.
Situated within California’s coolest wine-growing region, the climate and terroir in the Anderson Valley closely mimic those of Alsace, making it ideal for the production of Pinot Gris wine. With 49 acres devoted exclusively to its production, it’s among the most popular wine varieties produced in the region, and fans have long favored its low acidity, rich texture and spicy, citrusy fruit flavors. In the vineyard the grape transitions color from bright green to more of a salmon and/or grayish skin (“gris” means “gray” in French).
Want to taste Pinot Gris for yourself and see why so many favor this flavorful, easy-to-pair white wine? Then make plans to visit the Anderson Valley during Winter White Wine Weekend, slated for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19 and 20, 2022. Wineries throughout the region will sell and serve up some of their most popular white wine varietals during the event, giving fans an opportunity to explore wine from participating wineries.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio or are just a big fan of white wine, here’s your chance to sip and sample some of the very best the Anderson Valley has to offer in a safe, socially distanced setting. Can’t make it for the weekend? Plan a visit with the six wineries within Anderson Valley that produce Pinot Gris.
Winter White Wine Weekend will replace 2022’s White Wine Festival, which is hoped to return to the region in February 2023.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get Updates On The Happenings In Anderson Valley!