E3

Robert Noel

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This week we learn about a grape that is becoming very popular in North America and, as a matter of fact, now ranks second in sales just behind the very well known Chardonnay.

Pinot Grigio has just passed Sauvignon Blanc in North America to take the second place in the best selling white grape category.

Pinot Grigio (PEE-noh GREE-jee-oh) or Pinot Gris (gree) are two names for the same grape.

Usually, the Italian versions or styles of these wines are called Pinot Grigio, while the more complex, heavier style is called Pinot Gris.

This grape produces two very different styles of wines.

Traditionally, the Italian version produces light, crisp and dry wines with light- to medium-body and refreshing acidity.

These delicate wines present flavours of citrus (lime and lemon) and melons with a touch of floral notes. These are not very pronounced or intense wines.

Although I call Pinot Grigio the Italian style, in reality Pinot Grigio style wines are now so popular that they are made everywhere.

Just remember that they are a lighter, more neutral style than the rich and fat styled wines made from Pinot Gris.

These are medium- to full-bodied wines. They have a good balanced acidity and a honey-like texture and flavour.

The Pinot Gris versions are viscous, almost oily in texture and have a yellow to copper-pink colour. They are crisp with lively flavours of pears, apples and melons.

I recommend you try both styles and decide which one you appreciate the most.

The Pinot Gris is a mutation of the famous Burgundian red grape Pinot Noir, although these days very little Pinot Gris is grown in Burgundy.

The key wine regions for Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio are Alsace and different regions of Italy. Like other grapes, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio are now cultivated in many countries, including Germany and Hungary, but the traditional regions are still France and Italy.

These places are probably the largest producers of this wine. There are some wonderful New World examples of these wines.

You can find good products in the Pacific northwest of the United States, in Oregon and Washington State.

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is another region producing very good wines from this grape.

It is important to remember that whether you pick a Pinot Grigio or a Pinot Gris, they are both from the same grape but the style of wines will be quite different.

They are both excellent wines but each presents a very different taste experience.

Food Pairing: The lighter Pinot Grigio can be enjoyed on its own or as an aperitif but you can also enjoy it with shellfish (mussels, clams), white delicate fish (cod, sole) or some light chicken dishes.

For the heavier Pinot Gris, I recommend serving it with shellfish (lobster, crab), veal, pork, salmon and elaborate chicken recipes.

Pinot Grigio is considered the 'in' grape in the world of white wine. It is the fastest-growing white varietal in North America. In a lot of places, it is outselling the ever popular Chardonnay. This light and easy drinking wine is now a favourite of many; it's also a great beach or patio wine so give it a try at your next picnic or barbecue.

Have a great weekend!

Weekly wine picks

* #5028267012517: Da Luca Pinot Grigio, Italy ($15.29)

* #089819116621: Castello Gabbiano Pinot Grigio, Italy ($13.99)

* #8002062001768: Masi Tupungato Passo Blanco Pinot Grigio/Torrontes, Argentina ($18.79)

* #3156090316143: Ribeauville Prestige Pinot Gris Alsace, France ($24.48)

* Robert Noel is N.B. Liquor's sommelier. His column, World of Wine, appears each Saturday in Life & Times.