Pinot Gris

Let’s start with a little information: Pinot gris and pinot grigio are the same grape. Pinot grigio is originally from Italy and pinot gris from the Alsace region of France. The Italian wines tend to be lighter bodied and less substantial (many of the best come from Friuli or Alto Adige), while the French and American styles tend to be more complex. It is an easy grape to grow and an easy wine to produce, so it should fit it into almost everyone’s price range. There is a huge selection these days as it has been the hot summer white for three years running. It should be in your recycling bin at the end of the year, not your cellar! 

TASTINGS
This month's selections are available at Eden Prairie Liquors' three locations.

Cavit 2003, Venezia, Italy, $9.99
This wine smells like fresh lemons. It’s not complex in the least, so I would drink it on its own as a nice refresher.

Adelsheim Vineyards 2003, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $16.99
Boasting a bright, fruity nose of pear and apple, this wine is rich, complex, and bigger than most pinot gris, with a beautiful balance between fruit, spice, and acid with a little creaminess. It will go with Asian foods, and seafood from grilled salmon to lobster bisque.

Cline Pinot Gris/Chardonnay 2003, Sonoma, California, $9.99
A fun blend of 64 percent pinot gris and 36 percent chardonnay, this wine has good body. The chardonnay brings a full mouth-feel and at the same time lets the clean peach and apricot fruit of the pinot gris come out. Have this on its own, with seafood, or anything in a light cream sauce.

Bill Coy runs Vintage U, which organizes wine tastings, classes, and events for corporate groups, wine enthusiasts, and the general public. Reach him at vintageu@msn.com.