A Pinot, by Any Other Name
May 29, 2014
By Kaitlin Ohlinger
Pinot Noir. Pinot Blanc. Pinot Gris. Pinot Grigio.
What’s the story on all these Pinots? Why does Pinot seem to be such a popular first name among grapes? If I like one, will I like them all? Are they related like siblings, cousins or step-siblings? Do they like each other?
Let’s get to the bottom of all this Pinot Business! It’s bound to be a fun adventure, and who knows? You may end up with some ultra-useful wine knowledge to impress your friends and coworkers. We’ll start with the Mothership: Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is sort of the matriarch of the bunch. Pinot Gris/Grigio and Pinot Blanc are genetic mutations of Pinot Noir. Sound weird? It is kind of weird. Grape vines have been known to do strange things over the millenniums, including spontaneously change the color of the grapes they make.
Pinot Noir is a grape that comes in such a vast amount of styles, it’s really unfair to try to talk about them all. Generally speaking however, Pinot Noir is a light, thin-skinned grape that enjoys cool climates, foggy valleys, and long walks on the beach. It’s “spiritual” home is considered to be the Burgundy region of France, but Oregon’s Willamette Valley, California’s Sonoma Coast, and even parts of New Zealand are known for making world-class Pinot Noirs. Pinot Noir is also used in the Champagne Region of France, so chances are that delicious bottle of Champagne you recently guzzled had some Pinot Noir in it. Now for another little tidbit: Pinot Noir is also known as Blauburgunder in Austria, Pinot Nero in Italy, and Spatburgunder in Germany. Oof! That’s a lot to remember, but now you know.
My secret weapon personal favorite of this bunch is definitely Pinot Blanc, and it may be one you haven’t yet had. Pinot Blanc is seeing something of a revival, particularly in Oregon and parts of California. What makes it so interesting? In my opinion, it’s a little sexier than a Pinot Gris or Grirgio. It can exhibit a truly luscious and unique array of flavors when in the right hands, along with nice minerality and a “pop” of spice that will keep your taste buds entertained. They are clean and well-defined, and frequent notes of almonds and honeyed pears make them a real treat to pair with food. Definitely a grape to watch!
The plot thickens with Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris. Pinot Gris/Grigio are actually the *same* grape. The only difference is where they come from! A Pinot Grigio is (almost) always from Italy. You’re bound to run into a Pinot Gris from the Alsace region of France, but Pinot Gris from Oregon are also extremely popular. This time of year is ideal for Pinot Gris, and it always makes a great host gift if you’re heading to a friend’s house for dinner. Perfect as an aperitif, and very amenable to any light Summer fare. One more fun fact: Pinot Gris/Grigio is actually a red-skinned grape! Who’d have thunk?
So the next time you march into your local wine shop, you are armed with enough knowledge to get you through that critical decision making process. Then you’ll inevitably get to the fun part- drinking! May the Pinot Force be with you, wine-drinkers.
Recommended bottles:
Elk Cove Pinot Blanc, 13 Oregon, Willamette $18
Adelsheim Pinot Gris, 12 Oregon, Willamette $16
Dutton-Goldfield “Dutton Ranch” Pinot Noir, 12 California, Russian River Valley $36 (92 Points Rated Wine Enthusiast)
Albert Bichot “Vieilles Vignes” Pinot Noir, 11 France, Burgundy $22
Benton Lane Pinot Noir, 11 Oregon, Willamette $21
Stop by Cellar on Greene. Located at 2001-D Greene St., their Wine Shop is open Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 12non-5pm and their wine bar is open Mon-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-10:30pm. You can visit their website here.
