Pinot Gris

Free Wine Barrels

2011-08-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Wineries are often looking to dump their old wine barrels. These can make great planters, end tables, etc...

I found the following post online. It looked to be about five months old at the time of this post, but they may have extra barrels periodically, so you might check with them if you are within driving distance of the vineyards.

Need more drums? Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California has about 60 used wine barrels available that can be made into taiko drums. If interested, call (925) 934-5817.

We think they're free, but you'll have to go pick them up yourself. :)
Posted 5 months ago #

Free Wine Labels

2011-08-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Wine Labels are a much sought after collectible for wine enthusiasts everywhere. Here is some information on how you can get some free wine labels for your collection.

Custom Wine Labels:
With every purchase of a wine kit, Grape Stompers will include some custom wine labels. You specify the design and text. Or, you can purchase 30 labels for around $8 if you don't want to purchase the wine kit.

Free Wine Labels:
The best way to get free wine labels is to soak them off the bottles themselves. You can make your own wine label soaker by cutting the top off of a 2-liter soda bottle. Then, fill the wine bottle with water to weigh it down, and set it in the plastic soda bottle. Put warm water in the soda bottle, and let this sit overnight. Hopefully, the label will come off easily. You may need to use an exacto knife to pry stubborn labels loose.

Another way to get wine labels is to contact the wineries directly. Many wineries keep their old excess labels after their bottling run for any particular vintage. You might be able to score some freebies this way.

In Tough Times, Winemakers Should Work Together

2008-12-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

American winemakers should work closely in collaboration with other New World wine producers on a global basis, opening each other’s markets and uniting against protectionist policies of European Union countries in order to stave off the effects of the global recession.
There is no reason wineries should be working against each other; there is every reason they should be finding ways to work together, especially when it comes to surviving the current economic climate.
Australia should not be seen as the enemy of American producers in international markets; California and Australia have to become more collaborative, not enemies. U.S. winemakers also need to make a more serious effort at exporting. Very few American companies currently export wine because of the stringent international requirements.
American winemakers need to work together rather than separately in negotiating such agreements with the European Union, which has shown a policy of “divide and conquer” when it comes to trade agreements with New World countries.
If one country gives up the right to use the term ‘vintage’ because of the EU’s insistence that it is a historical European winemaking term, it will use that to force the same agreement from all the other New World producers.
In this difficult economic period, it seems certain that the world is facing a winegrape oversupply which will make successful exporting programs essential for all of the world’s key wine-producing countries.

Oregon Pinot Gris Harvest Better Late Than Never

2008-10-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Although the Oregon Pinot Gris Harvest is a little later this year than vineyard managers would like, good weather has ensured that this year's crop should be outstanding. The rule in Oregon has been that the even years (2004, 2006, etc...) are better than the odd years (2005, 2007), and it look as though the grapes will prove that theory right again.

A virtually rain-free summer with warm temperatures has slowly given the vines enough heat units to produce healthy fruit. There has been a lack of extended periods of moisture, or any other destructive types of weather. Last year's harvest was noticeably unfavorable, with several weeks of bad weather in September and October.

Ponzi Vineyards Hosting July Event

2008-07-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

One of Oregon's better-known Pinot Gris producers, Ponzi Vineyards, will be hosting a wine event this Sunday, July 13 2008. Between 5:00 and 9:00 PM, Ponzi is offering wine, music and bocci ball --- that oh-so neglected game from our Italiano ancestral roots. The event takes place at Ponzi Vineyards' main estate lawn. There is no need to RSVP, but they ask that you leave any dogs at home, so there aren't any landmines left for the bocci players!

Visit their website, www.ponziwines.com for more info.

Pinot Gris - A Wonderful Grape Mutation

2007-10-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Pinot Gris is a grape varietal that is a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. The Pinot Gris vine appears similar to the Pinot Noir, but it produces a grape that is coppery gray instead of the dark violet of Pinot Noir. In fact, the only certain method of differentiating the vines is by the fruit that they produce. Researchers have found that the DNA structure of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are virtually identical.

The Pinot Gris grape produces a delicious white wine with a rosy platinum color. This wine captures a perfect balance of acidity, fruit flavor and sweetness.

Local Events Website

2007-10-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

If you've got a moment, check out Local Wine Events.

It's a great site that lists wine events for just about any state, country or region. Plus, they send out a Weekly Newsletter called The Juice which will notify you of upcoming events in your area.

Oregon Pinot Harvest Delayed by Weather

2007-10-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Pinot Gris harvest in Oregon's Willamette Valley was set back even further by rain, and even some hail last weekend. On Sunday alone, it rained over an inch in parts of the Willamette Valley. It also hailed in various locations. While any widespread damage to the grapes is unknown at this point, the continued cool, soggy weather can't be good for the grape development at this late stage.

Grapes need to attain a certain sugar level (measured in Brix) to achieve proper ripening and balance.

Definitive Wine Guide

2007-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

If you need to educate yourself on the finer qualities of our fermented friend, check out this Wine Guide Video. You will discover all you need to know about foreign wine.

Speaking of "Fermented Friends", don't say I didn't warn you!

Wine Website For Sale

2007-09-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you all know that my Pinot Gris website (PinotGris.Biz) is up for sale. It is full of great, original wine content written by me. It also currently ranks highly with the major search engines:

#3 overall on Yahoo for Pinot Gris (search)
#4 overall on MSN for Pinot Gris (search)
Page Rank = 1 (Google)

I am asking $250 for the site, perhaps less to someone who just wanted the domain name. If I don't sell right away, I will continue to promote it.

My site is worth $282.
How much is yours worth?

If interested, please reply here

Pinot Harvest Looking a Little Spotty

2007-09-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Due to the unusually cool summer, and the recent rainfall, Oregon's Willamette Valley wine producers are nervously biting their nails, dreading a harvest with grapes that are not fully ripened. Without the proper heat units, the grapes will not reach full maturity, although they may look fully ripe. The cooler weather will likely mean that harvests in Oregon will be delayed as much as they can be, without pushing the grapes over the edge.

Look for the next two weeks to be crucial to the '07 harvest.

Is There A Wine Recession Coming?

2007-09-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

With the huge popularity gain for wine in the past five years, one could wonder if a recession in the wine industry is looming.

Much depends on factors in the grand scheme of things. The once-booming housing industry created much wealth for a lot of Americans, but a recent downturn in home sales has created a large-scale semi-panic in the mortgage and banking industry. The stock markets have been shaken by the idea that mortgage companies are virtually disappearing overnight. This has put into question the stability of the biggest banks, and what their exposure to these smaller (defunct) companies has been.

The wine industry is based much on excess wealth. Wine is seen by many, not as an essential, but as a luxury item that would be cut out of a budget if tough times arose. A recent look at distribution and retail inventory levels showed a large glut, sometimes in excess of 200 days worth of stock.

The ever-popular Pinot Noir seems to be immune to this kind of chatter, however. Spurned to new heights of acceptance by the movie Sideways, the "heartbreak grape" seems to be an indespensible red... a must for any cellar or pantry. The next couple of years will be crucial to the industry at the retail and restaurant level.

The Vineyard Owner

2007-09-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

For an in-depth look at starting up your very own vineyard, check out Vineyard Owner. It's still a work in progress, but it currently sports some nice articles on Disease and Pest Management, and Climate factors.

Get Free Wine Charms

2007-07-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Kumala wines in South Africa is offering two free wine charms to anyone of legal drinking age who takes their survey and signs up for their newsletter. The offer is only valid in the United States.
Here's their website: http://www.kumalausa.com/fun/quiz-b.php

Wine and Housekeeping

2007-07-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

This post is to add the Pinot Gris blog to technorati.

Technorati Profile

State Wine Laws Prohibit Growth

2007-06-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to overzealous state legislators, wine may only be shipped to consumers in the following states:

Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District Of Columbia
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
South Carolina
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

If you don't see your state listed above, you're outta luck!
Visit FreeTheGrapes.org and contact your congressional representative to ensure free wine trade between all districts and states.

Global Warming Could Affect Wine Producers

2006-09-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

As the polar ice caps melt away, and the oceans get warmer by a degree or two, winegrowing areas such as Napa, Sonoma Valley and other warm climate regions could become unsuitable for premium grape growing. Some scientists predict that the average temperature in the southwest United States could rise by several degrees, making California a less than perfect region for growing grapes.

This may lead some to start stocking away their Napa Valley Cabs and Merlots. However, any such changes should occur gradually, and probably wouldn't be noticable for a century or more. In fact, the average temperatures in the southwest U.S. have risen by a degree or so in the last hundred years, and the principal grape growing areas have remained virtually unchanged.

PinotGris.Biz up and running

2006-07-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I have finally put up a full-fledged pinot gris site at www.pinotgris.biz

Much of the content you'll find in the pages of this blog will be listed there. I will continue to keep this blog up and running as long as it's practical.

Please visit the new site, and thanks for reading!

A Pinot Gris Success Story

2006-05-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

My e-zine article "Pinot Gris - The 'Other' White Wine" has recently climbed to Page 1 on Google for searches under Pinot Gris.

You can see the Google results here. I'm currently at the bottom of Page 1.

Read the article here.

Fill it with Merlot, Please!

2006-01-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

A GOOD wine is a terrible thing to waste. But sometimes even the French have no choice when the good stuff isn't selling. As painful as it surely must be in a country where the fruit of the vintner's labors is considered a fine art, winemakers are drowning in vats of surplus wine.

The worldwide glut has gotten so bad that for the first time in history French vineyards that produce quality wine several sniffs above the ordinary table brands are getting rid of it. They're distilling millions of bottles worth of reds and whites into - fuel. Mon Dieu!

Previously France had resorted to distilling surpluses of lowly table wines into vinegar and ethanol. But the quality wines were sacrosanct until bottles began piling up in vineyards and stores where shoppers could buy some for less than what it cost for bottled water.

Winemakers long deceased must be turning in their graves with the woeful developments. And yet their successors, some of whom took to the streets early in the year to protest the falling wine prices, have to survive somehow.

By the end of this year hundreds of wine-makers will turn their mellow Merlots and crisp Chardonnays into crystal-clear ethanol, which will be sold to oil refineries for use as an additive for gasoline. France already uses about 1 percent ethanol in its gasoline and that percentage is expected to rise to 5.75 percent in a few years to meet European Union demands for more use of renewable fuels.

In the meantime, France will continue exporting its wine-blended gasoline abroad to one of its biggest markets in the United States. Ironic, no? People who wouldn't touch a french fry in a patriotic huff could be pumping gas into their cars with a bit of France's best Beaujolais.

The reasons for the wine glut vary from new producers in countries like Australia and Chile to falling demand in France, where wine used to be abundantly enjoyed at lunch and dinner until a crackdown began against drunken driving.

"What's killing consumption is fear of the gendarmes," lamented one vintner before his doomed wine headed off to the local distillery.

The ruinous price decline of even top-shelf French wine will, by year's end, force millions of bottles worth to become full bodied gasoline at the tank. It could be the end of French civilization as we know it.

Instead of toasting the new year will motorists wonder how many miles per gallon the Gamay Beaujolais can deliver?

Article Source: Toledo Blade

Don't Like Wine? Try Ice Wine

2005-12-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Even though wine's popularity is soaring everywhere, there are still a few people who don't care for grape juice in its more sophisticated form. Most of these individuals would say that it's the bitter taste that comes from the acidic/sugar balance that sets their pallets recoiling.
I'll bet most of those critics have never tried Ice Wine. Recently, I have given a few bottles away, and without exception, everyone has made it a point to tell me how much they loved the wine. The dessert wines usually come in 375 ml (half-size) bottles. Pinot Gris grapes are often used in the production of Ice Wine, along with Muscat and Gewurztraminer.
If you've never tried Ice Wine, look for it the next time you're in your local supermarket. if they don't carry it there, try a wine shop or a World Market.

What Wine Goes With Turkey?

2005-11-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

"Which wine goes with turkey" is a question that comes up often during the holiday season. My personal choice would be a delicious bottle of Pinot Gris. However, your guests might prefer a red wine to a white. I'll list a couple of alternatives below, and let you make your own decision.
There are, of course, many wine selections that will go with turkey and traditional holiday meals.

If your guests prefer white wines, then Pinot Gris would be the natural choice for a match with turkey. There are many good ones, and you should be able to find a bottle or two at your supermarket in the $10 - $15 range. Another white wine that would win your guests over is a bottle of Viognier, which might be a little harder to find than the Pinot Gris, but is a crisp alternative to the ever-boring Chardonnay.

If you usually like wine with a little sweetness, try a White Zinfandel. If you think you'd like to try a dessert wine, you might look for a sparkling Early Muscat or a bottle of Vin Glace made with Pinot Gris grapes. The Vin Glace will usually come in the 375 ml bottle.

If your guests prefer red wines, consider a Pinot Noir to go with your turkey. It will have a richer fruit flavor than most white wines, but will match up well with the meal. Pinot Noir is traditionally very smooth, so it will not overwhelm the taste of the food.
Look for a bottle from Oregon, California, or France in the $15 - $20 range. Serve Pinot Noir very lightly chilled (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Put the Pinot Noir in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving, and you will bring out the fruit flavors and will remove the alcohol taste that can overwhelm when served at room temperature.

I would avoid any bold reds, unless the meal features some form of red meat. That means leave the Cabernet Sauvignon in the cellar for a more opportune time.

Oregon Pinot Gris is Washington Times Wine of the Week

2005-11-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

From the Washington (DC) Times:

"Pinot gris is something of a chameleon. Pick the grapes early in the harvest and the wine most likely will taste steely. Pick them late, and it will seem almost honeyed. But pick somewhere in the middle, and the wine will be redolent of crisp apples and pears and just right for serving at Thanksgiving."

Read the rest of the article here.

What In the World is Pinot Gris?

2005-11-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Pinot Gris (or Tokay Pinot Gris) is a white wine grape of species Vitis Vinifera related to Pinot Noir which goes by a lot of other names:

Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Pinot Beurot (Loire Valley, France)
Ruländer (Austria and Germany, Romania, sweet)
Grauburgunder or Grauer burgunder (Austria and Germany, dry)
Grauklevner (Germany)
Malvoisie (Loire Valley, France and Switzerland)
Tokay d'Alsace (Alsace) (currently being renamed due to EU regulations)
Auxerrois Gris (Alsace)
Fromentau (Langudoc, France)
Fromentot (France)
Fauvet (France)
Gris Cordelier (France)
Grauer Mönch (Germany)
Monemrasia
Crvena Klevanjka (Croatia)
Sivi Pinot (Slovenia)
Szürkebarát (Hungary)

"Pinot" means "pinecone" in French, and "gris" means gray. The grapes grow in small clusters (hence the pinecone shape), and upon ripening, often display a pinkish-gray hue, although the colors can vary from blue-gray to pinkish-brown.

Pinot Gris is called Pinot Grigio in Italy, and the grape is grown in many regions, although, arguably, most successfully in Alsace (France), Italy, Germany, and Oregon. In the United States, Pinot Gris has recently supplanted Sauvignon Blanc as the most popular white wine grape next to Chardonnay.

Pinot Gris produces wines that are generally fruity in aroma, with flavors of honey, apple, pear, vanilla, oak, and citrus. The flavors can vary from region to region, but a good Pinot Gris will display crisp acidity, balanced with silky sweetness, resulting in a complex array of flavors on the pallet. Pinot gris goes well with foods typically associated with white wines, including fish, seafood, chicken, pork, and Asian cuisine.

Pinot Gris is thought to have originated in the Burgundy region of France, and was planted in Northern Europe for many years before making its way to Oregon in the 1960's. The grape is presently grown in many different areas, but prefers the relatively cool climate of places like France, Germany, Italy and Oregon, where the long (but not too hot) summer days mingled with cool autumn weather bring the grapes into perfect ripeness.

Pinot Gris grapes grown in Italy (Pinot Grigio) usually produce a somewhat wanting, light-colored wine with crisp acidity. German Pinot Gris tends to be medium-bodied, with good balance between sugar and acidity. Grapes grown in Oregon tend to produce a wine that is medium-bodied, exhibiting strong fruit flavors and aromas and superb crispness. Pinot Gris produced from grapes grown in the Alsace region of France has proven to show full-bodied, floral flavors, and a deep viscosity with a long-lasting finish.

Pinot Gris made from grapes grown in other regions can also be delicious, but generally don't deliver the same excellent qualities that people have come to expect from wines made in the regions listed above. California is one area where Pinot Gris is grown, but the wines made there tend to be flabby, losing their complexity due to the warmer weather. In fact, Pinot Gris produced in California is often called Pinot Grigio because of the similarity in style to the wines from Italy.

Technorati: Wine

What is Ice Wine?

2005-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ice Wine, or Eiswine (German), is wine made from frozen, late-harvest grapes. The grapes are generally left on the vine longer to ensure a higher sugar concentration. Brix levels are typically in the 30+ range for Ice Wine grapes. In certain cold-weather areas, the grapes must be frozen by a natural frost. In other areas, artifical freezing of the grapes is acceptable.
Pinot Gris grapes can make an outstanding Ice Wine, sometimes called Vin Glace. The wine is usually sold in 375 ml bottles, and should be available at many fine wine outlets.

Wine

Harvest Has Ended

2005-10-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

For most Pinot Gris vineyards, the harvest has finished, and the leaves will turn gold on their way to dormancy. Contrary to popular belief, most wines do not improve with age. Pinot Gris is one such varietal, usually having a life of five to seven years before the wine quality deteriorates. Pinot Gris can be imbibed very soon after the grapes are harvested and the wine is made. Usually, a 30-day period is recommended for the wine to be in the bottle before it is consumed to avoid "bottle shock".

These Leaves Are Turning

2005-10-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Almost Ready

Whole Lotta Gris

2005-10-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Lots of Pinot Gris
After several years of rising sales, Pinot Gris has surpassed Sauvignon Blanc as the second most popular white wine in the country in 2002. Only Chardonnay is currently more popular, based on national sales. Pinot Gris acreage continues to grow as well.

Oregon Pinot Gris

2005-10-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Grapes Close Up
David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards is credited with bringing Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to Oregon back in the 1960's. Oregon's gris production has grown from a minimal number of vines (less than an acre) to several thousand acres, and continues to grow.

What's So Great About Pinot Gris?

2005-10-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

The popularity of Pinot Gris has been soaring in recent times, rivalled only perhaps by Viognier as the up-and-coming white wine. Why is Pinot gris so cherished?

First of all, there’s a variety of styles from very dry to fruity-sweet. It offers the palate feel of Chardonnay freshened by the aromatic traits found in Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Quality Pinot Gris has a velvety textural feel with an abundance of rich flavours such as pears, spice, apples, peach, apricot, and honey. The soft, supple acids carry the rich, dry fruit to a refreshing finish.

Grapes in the Sun

2005-10-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Pinot Gris on a Wire
These grapes have it all...good sun exposure, lots of space for air flow, and easy access for the harvesters. Of course, exposed grapes are susceptible to birds, bugs, deer, and any other hazards that might come along.

Pinot Gris Against a Blue Sky

2005-10-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Blue Grape Sky
The optimal grape-growing season is featured with frost-less spring, a long, warm, growing season, and good weather at harvest time. The long summer days provide the heat units that the grapes crave. Depending on the area, Pinot Gris grapes need anywhere from 1900 to 2500 Degree Days to mature. A Degree Day is the average temperature minus fifty degrees Fahrenheit. So a day with an average temperature of 71 degrees would have 21 Degree Days.

Pinot Gris on the Vine

2005-10-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Pinot Gris Clusters
Pinot Gris is usually a mid-harvest grape, while its counterpart, Pinot Noir, is an early-harvest grape. The picture above was taken about a week before harvest. Note how the grapes hang on the lower half of the vine, maximizing morning sun exposure, when the grapes are most vulnerable to excess moisture. This also makes picking the grapes very quick and easy.

Gris Means 'Grey'

2005-10-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Pinot Gris Closeup
Here's a closeup shot of some Pinot Gris clusters about a week before the harvest. Note the yellow color of some of the leaves, indicating the onset of autumn. There are no green grapes at this point. The grapes are all purple-brown, or purple-grey. Smaller grapes have better flavor concentration than large ones. Most vineyard managers strive for uniformity when it comes to grape size.

Pinot Gris on the Web

2005-10-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Online Cooking for putting my Pinot Gris article on their website. They cut off part of the title, but I won't complain too much...

Test Your Wine Knowledge

2005-10-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the best wine trivia game I've seen. It uses Flash.
Try it out here.

Wine Coupons

2005-10-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

When looking for wine deals, you're not too likely to find better prices than you will at wine.com

Here are some coupon codes to use when you shop there:

15% off
CODE:PLATINUM

25% off 12 Bottles is combination of the automatic 10% off 12+ bottles and 15% off CODE:PLATINUM

10% off codes SIGNUP10 and USAEVM may also work
CODE:THANKYOU

Wine Quotes

2005-10-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite wine quotes...

"Beer is made by men, wine by God!" - Martin Luther

"And Noah began to be a husbandman, and he planted a vineyard." - Genesis 9:20

"I have enjoyed great health at a great age because everyday since I can remember, I have consumed a bottle of wine except when I have not felt well. Then I have consumed two bottles." - Bishop of Seville

“Wine makes a man more pleased with himself; I do not say it makes him more pleasing to others.” - Samuel Johnson

Overlooking the Vineyard

2005-10-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

Misty Morning
Vineyards are usually planted on gently sloping hills. This helps eliminate "frost pockets", which can prove deadly to buds in springtime. Some moisture is good for grapes, but too much humidity will leave the grapes mushy or moldy. Cool morning temperatures around harvest time can add crispness to the grapes' flavor.

Life In The Vineyard

2005-10-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Vineyard Rows
Row spacing will affect the vine size. Wider spaces between the rows will allow for machinery to access the plants. Closer row spacing tends to decrease plant size by reducing the area covered by the roots of each plant.

2005 Oregon State Fair Medal Results

2005-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here are the Pinot Gris medals awarded at the 2005 Oregon State Fair Wine Competition...

Best of Classification – Specialty Wines
King Estate
2004 Vin Glacé Pinot Gris
Eugene, Oregon

Gold Medals:
Bridgeview Vineyards
2003 Pinot Gris, Blue Moon, Oregon

Firesteed Cellars
2003 Pinot Gris, Oregon

King Estate Winery
2003 Pinot Gris, Oregon
2004 Vin Glace, Pinot Gris, Oregon

Willamette Valley Vineyards
2004 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Silver Medals:
Ankeny Winery
2004 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Cooper Mountain Vineyards
2004 Pinot Gris, Cooper Hill, Willamette Valley

ElvenGlade Vineyard
2004 Pinot Gris, Yamhill

Iris Hill Winery
2004 Pinot Gris, Oregon

Montinore Estate
2004 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Paradis Vineyard
2003 Pinot Gris, Estate, Willamette Valley

Pheasant Valley Vineyard and Winery
2004 Pinot Gris, Columbia Gorge

Bronze Medals:

Airlie Winery
2003 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
2004 Pinot Gris, Oregon

Hauer of the Dauen
2002 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Sahalie Wine Cellars
2004 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Stone Wolf Vineyards
2004 Pinot Gris, Oregon

Wine By Joe
2004 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

A Pinot Gris by any other name...

2005-09-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

Pinot Gris (or Tokay Pinot Gris) is a white wine grape of species Vitis Vinifera related to Pinot Noir which goes by a lot of other names:

Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Pinot Beurot (Loire Valley, France)
Ruländer (Austria and Germany, Romania, sweet)
Grauburgunder or Grauer burgunder (Austria and Germany, dry)
Grauklevner (Germany)
Malvoisie (Loire Valley, France and Switzerland)
Tokay d'Alsace (Alsace) (currently being renamed due to EU regulations)
Auxerrois Gris (Alsace)
Fromentau (Langudoc, France)
Fromentot (France)
Fauvet (France)
Gris Cordelier (France)
Grauer Mönch (Germany)
Monemrasia
Crvena Klevanjka (Croatia)
Sivi Pinot (Slovenia)
Szürkebarát (Hungary)

...from wikipedia, the free web encyclopedia.

What in the World is Pinot Gris?

2005-09-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Pinot Gris (pronouced PEE-no GREE) is a white wine grape grown in cool climate regions all over the world. "Pinot" means "pinecone" in French, and "gris" means gray. The grapes grow in small clusters (hence the pinecone shape), and upon ripening, often display a pinkish-gray hue, although the colors can vary from blue-gray to pinkish-brown.

Pinot Gris is called Pinot Grigio in Italy, and the grape is grown in many regions, although, arguably, most successfully in Alsace (France), Italy, Germany, and Oregon. In the United States, Pinot Gris has recently supplanted Sauvignon Blanc as the most popular white wine grape next to Chardonnay.

Pinot Gris produces wines that are generally fruity in aroma, with flavors of honey, apple, pear, vanilla, oak, and citrus. The flavors can vary from region to region, but a good Pinot Gris will display crisp acidity, balanced with silky sweetness, resulting in a complex array of flavors on the pallet. Pinot gris goes well with foods typically associated with white wines, including fish, seafood, chicken, pork, and Asian cuisine.

wine

Where in the world is the Pinot Gris grape grown?

2005-09-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

Pinot Gris is thought to have originated in the Burgundy region of France, and was planted in Northern Europe for many years before making its way to Oregon in the 1960's. The grape is presently grown in many different areas, but prefers the relatively cool climate of places like France, Germany, Italy and Oregon, where the long (but not too hot) summer days mingled with cool autumn weather bring the grapes into perfect ripeness.

Pinot Gris grapes grown in Italy (Pinot Grigio) usually produce a somewhat wanting, light-colored wine with crisp acidity. German Pinot Gris tends to be medium-bodied, with good balance between sugar and acidity. Grapes grown in Oregon tend to produce a wine that is medium-bodied, exhibiting strong fruit flavors and aromas and superb crispness. Pinot Gris produced from grapes grown in the Alsace region of France has proven to show full-bodied, floral flavors, and a deep viscosity with a long-lasting finish.

Pinot Gris made from grapes grown in other regions can also be delicious, but generally don't deliver the same excellent qualities that people have come to expect from wines made in the regions listed above. California is one area where Pinot Gris is grown, but the wines made there tend to be flabby, losing their complexity due to the warmer weather. In fact, Pinot Gris produced in California is often called Pinot Grigio because of the similarity in style to the wines from Italy.

Where in the world can I find some Pinot Gris?

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Pinot Gris can be found in many places, from restaurants to tasting rooms to supermarkets. Listed below are some of the places you can purchase Pinot Gris, and what it might cost you.

Restaurants - Easily the most expensive place to buy wine, the restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, sometimes knowledgeable waiters, and comprehensive wine list. For a decent bottle of Pinot Gris, be prepared to pay 30 to 40 dollars or more, depending on how fancy the establishment is. One idea for frugal restaurant dining is to call beforehand and ask if you can bring in your own delicious bottle of Pinot Gris. The restaurant will charge you a nominal "pouring fee", but you won't have to shell out the big bucks.

Supermarkets - Probably the least expensive place to purchase wine, your neighborhood Safeway or Albertsons offers a variety of Pinot Gris at prices ranging from $7 to $20. Just don't expect too much help from the stockboy when deciding which Pinot Gris would go best with osso buco.

Tasting Rooms - Many wineries have their own tasting rooms with dramatic views and enchanting music geared to put the consumer into a wine buying-trance. If you buy Pinot Gris from the tasting room, however, you are usually buying directly from the winery, and won't get the big discounts that the stores receive. Expect to pay somewhere between 15 to 30 dollars for a good bottle of Pinot Gris.

The Internet - A great place to shop for wine in general, the web offers you some super deals. The upside of web shopping is that you can browse the wine shoppe at 3 AM if you desire. The downside is that every state has their own particular wine laws, and you may have to shop for awhile before you can find someone to ship Pinot Gris to your state. Oh, and you have to pay the shipping costs, and the wine may be exposed to all kinds of elements and hazards on its way to your door.

Wine Festivals - If you live in a reasonably populated area, chances are that you have an annual wine festival within 20 miles or so. These are great places to try a variety of wines by the glass, and mingle amongst large crowds. You will probably be paying close to Tasting Room prices, though, so a bottle of Pinot Gris will run you 12 to 25 dollars.

Wine Shops - Most wine shops have prices that are competitive with those found in the supermarkets. Wine shops also carry a nice variety of wines, but best of all, the owners or workers will often possess valuable knowledge that they will share with you most whole-heartedly if you promise to buy a bottle or two.

What food goes well with Pinot Gris?

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Pinot Gris makes an excellent aperitif, and serves as a pleasing accompaniment to foods that typically go well with Chardonnay or other white wines.
Here are some great recipes for that bottle of Pinot Gris that you've been saving...

Baked Fish
Ingredients : 2 lbs. of fish, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 level tablespoons of flour, 2 onions, 2 cloves of garlic, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup of milk, 1 sprig of thyme, 1 sprig of chive, 4 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters.

Instructions : Clean and wash fish with lime or lemon. Season with tomatoes, onions, garlic, chive, thyme, salt and pepper. Put into a greased baking dish. Lay seasonings on top of fish. Make a smooth paste of the milk and flour and pour over the fish. Add butter and Angostura aromatic bitters and bake for 30 minutes in a moderate oven. Serve with boiled or fried potatoes.

Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients : 4 half chicken breasts - skinned and boned, 2 cans (14½ oz. each) Italian style stewed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of oregano or basil - crushed, ¼ teaspoon of hot pepper sauce (optional), ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Instructions : Place chicken in baking dish. Baked covered 15 minutes in preheated oven - at 425º F. Drain. Combine tomatoes, cornstarch, oregano and pepper sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened. Pour heated sauce over chicken and top with cheese. Bake 5 minutes, uncovered. Serve garnished with parsley.

Linguini with Scallop & Basil Sauce
Ingredients : ¼ lb. of linguini pasta - preferably home made, ¼ lb. of scallops (use half and substitute fish cut in same shape for the other serving), 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil, 1 garlic clove - minced, ¼ teaspoon dried crush red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, ½ cup of cream, Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions : Cook linguini according to package directions. While linguini cooks, heat both butter and oil in a small frying pan, add garlic and cook till just beginning to turn golden (do not allow it to brown). Add pepper flakes, parsley and basil, and cook for a few seconds. Add ½ cup of cream, the scallops, salt and pepper to taste and simmer 4 to 5 minutes or till scallops are cooked. Drain linguini, toss with sauce and serve. Grated parmesan cheese may be served over the dish if desired.

Osso Buco
Ingredients : 10 meaty veal shanks - 2 to 3 inches thick, Salt and pepper, 1/2 to 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons butter - divided, 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 4 turns of the pan, 1 large onion - chopped, 2 large carrots - peeled and cut into a fine dice, 4 ribs celery -chopped, 6 to 8 cloves garlic - crushed, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary - stripped and finely chopped, about 2 tablespoons, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 2 cups white wine, 1 (28-ounce) can chunky style crushed tomatoes, 2 cups chicken stock, 2 (14-ounce) cans cannelloni beans - drained, 1 lemon -rind cut into pieces, Gremolata:2 lemons, zested, 4 cloves garlic, crushed, 6 anchovy fillets in oil, drained, 1 cup flat leaf parsley leaves, 3 handfuls.

Instructions : Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place a large, heavy bottomed skillet on the stove and heat pan over moderate to high flame. Salt and pepper the shanks and coat lightly and evenly in flour. Working in 2 batches, brown shanks in 1 1/2 tablespoons each butter and olive oil. Transfer shanks to a large roasting pan. Add remaining butter and oil to the pan and saute the root vegetables and crushed garlic 5 minutes, seasoning them with rosemary, allspice, salt and pepper. Add wine to the pan and reduce 2 to 3 minutes, lifting pan drippings up off the bottom of your pot. Add tomatoes, chicken stock and white beans to the pan and remove from heat. Stir to combine sauce. Pour sauce and vegetables evenly over shanks. Cover roasting pan tightly and roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until meat is very tender and pulling easily from bone. Baste meat in juices and sauce every 1/2 hour. In the last 1/2 hour, add lemon rinds to sauce.Combine lemon zest, garlic, anchovies and parsley in a large pile. Mill the mixture with your knife into a finely chopped condiment.To serve, place shank in a rimmed plate and spoon juices, beans and vegetable bits over and around meat. Top with a generous sprinkle of gremolata. Serve with Sauteed dark greens and crusty bread and/or garlic lemon potatoes.

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