An aromatic white, it usually has a touch of sweetness, making it pair with an entirely different range of foods from Pinot Grigio. Born in Alsace where it’s often matched with pâté and creamy sauces, its new world versions from New Zealand and Australia pair particularly well with smoked and spicy foods such as Thai Green Curry, Spicy Indian Dal, Thai fishcakes, Indonesian satay dishes or smoky seared scallops.
Beware though that as a noble grape it's made with varying levels of sweetness - such in the way that Riesling is - meaning that not every bottle will display the same characteristics. As a general rule though, the hotter and spicier the food, the sweeter the wine needs to be to balance the heat. Here are four favourites I have purchased on more than one foodie occassion and simply cannot get enough of! Hope you enjoy :-)
£14.99 per bottle, £89.94 per case of 6
This Pinot Gris is a full, heady, rich
and lush wine with a
great depth which is balanced by a crisp acidity that gives structure and longevity. The Trimbach style of wine is one of finesse, elegance, and amazing concentration, all packed into the trademark Alsace flute bottle. Though techincally dry, the long finish exudes a sweetness making it excellent with all fish but especially salmon - try roasted salmon with honey-glazed fennel.
Currently £12.49 per bottle, or £9.99 (save 20% on two or more New Zealand wines)
This off-dry example treads the fine line between the Alsatian and Italian style, nicely balanced and perfumed with honeysuckle and peach. Lifted by acidity and a hint of natural spritz, this beauty from Marlborough wine legend Brent Marris of the Marisco Vineyards winery is delicious on its own but a brilliantly versatile food wine to boot. Try with grilled prawns, white meats or creamy cheeses. Brent's food match is roast chicken wrapped in pancetta with a peach, couscous and pinenut stuffing served with crispy garlic potatoes. (Majestic's Grape to Glass, Summer 2013) There is a minimum 6 bottle purchase, but delivery for online purchases is free is you spend over £40!
Pinot Gris Tradition, Hugel, 2010, The Wine Society£12.50 per bottle, £150.00 per case of 12
Made by Hugel et Fils (now run by the marvellous characters Etienne and Marc), one of the longest established Alsace houses as well as being the most famous, this is an exemplary dry and rich pinot gris that combines body with elegance. Fruit-driven and refreshingly scented with white peach and almond blossom, this soft, dry wine has a succulent richness, and a very long, ripe fruit finish. Try with crayfish or lobster with a spicy sauce, lamb curry, game terrine or duck foie gras. Another great classic from Alsace, again, all packed into the trademark flute bottle. You do need to be a member to order from The Wine Society, but at just £40 for a lifetime membership and £10 credit as a new member, it's well worth it!
The Wine Society also stock one of my all time favourites BUT are currently out of stock. Keep your eyes peeled on the website for new stocks - I guarantee it will be worth the wait...
Kumeu River Pinot Gris, 2010, Auckland, The Wine Society
£12.95 per bottle, £155.00 per case of 12
Made by the highly regarded Kumeu River Estate near Auckland, this Pinot Gris is floral and smooth textured, like good Alsace examples, but with the vibrant fruit typical of New Zealand. On the palate the wine is rich and complex with an oily texture that coats the tongue and lingers on the palate, with a lovely length of flavour. Pinot Gris is a variety that goes particularly well with food, including quite intensely flavoured dishes. It is also one of the few wine styles that can handle the spiciness of chilli, so together with the sweet succulence of prawns, a nicely chilled bottle of Kumeu River Pinot Gris makes up a spectacular combination. (Kumeu River)
Have you tried any other Pinot Gris you think is worthy of a mention? Let us know - we're always willing to try something new!
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