Winemakers have begun to make red Pinot Gris out of traditional white wine grapes.
Pinot Gris is a traditional grape variety used to make white wine. When ripe, their natural colors range from grayish pink to blue. They originate from Burgandy, France but are also grown in America, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
Pinot Gris may not be as famous as Chardonnay but has always been a staple in the wine community, especially amongst individuals who enjoy white wine.
That’s why so many enthusiasts may be surprised that a red Pinoty Gris exists.
Red Pinot Gris is a ruby-colored wine with fruity aromas and plum and oaky flavors. It pairs well with goat cheese and pasta. Although this grape variety comes from France, red Pinot Gris is mainly produced in Italy.
I put together this guide to explore the origins of white red Pinot Gris, explain its unique flavor, share some pairing tips, and finally offer a handful of fantastic examples of this unique red wine.
What Does Red Pinot Gris Taste Like?
First, let’s go over the flavor of red Pinot Gris and then compare it to its traditional white counterpart.
The taste of red Pinot Gris can be described as a smooth mixture of plum, blackberry, and blackcurrant. Based on the winemaking process it’s common for the wine to deliver earthy and oaky notes as well. It has an elegant amount of herbs and spices with a fruity aroma.
Red Pinot Gris tends to be a bold ruby-colored wine with medium acidity and a long finish.
Obviously, these qualities can differ based on the style of the winemaker, as well as the aging of the wine.
On the other hand, a typical white Pinot Gris is often a full-bodied wine with a crisp, spicy flavor and notes of tropical fruit, citrus, apples, or pears. It can also be described as fruity, light, and refreshing.
Although both are usually sweet, the white tends to have higher acidity than the red.
Best Red Pinot Gris Examples
Fatalone Gioia del Colle Primitivo Riserva 2018 – This Italian Pinot Gris wine is a perfect option to have with beef, pasta or lamb. It has notes of plum, blackberry, and blueberry along with an oaky and earthy finish. Save it for a backyard party or a BBQ.
Karas Red 2018 – Karas Red 2018 blend has a very intense ruby red color. While sipping on this wine, you can feel the aroma of the deep red fruit as well as chocolate. This wine feels smooth with an elegant and complex taste. It pairs well with pasta and red meat.
Paola Sordo Barolo 2015 – The Paola Sordo Barolo 2015 is an Italian wine with drier and acidic taste. It is more tannic and bold than smooth and light. This Pinot Gris wine goes well with lamb, pasta, and beef. It can be quite refreshing for your taste buds and a perfect addition for special occasions and dinner parties. Packed with a red fruit aroma and oaky flavors, the Paola Sordo Barolo 2015 is one of the best options to consider.
Vegania Red Blend 2018 – The Vegania Red Blend 2018 wine belongs to the Italian region and is made of 100% Pinot Gris. You can bear this wine with red meats. So, if you’re hosting a dinner party, try to have a bottle of Vegania Red Blend 2018 ready.
What Food Pairs with Red Pinot Gris?
Red Pinot Gris can be paired with fish and red meats. This wine tastes best with snapper, mussels, and cod since it won’t overwhelm the soothing and delicate flavors of seafood.
Poultry – Poultry like turkey, duck, and fried chicken are the best pairing for this red wine. The fat on white meat tastes fantastic with red Pinot Grigio. A must-try with a few of your favorite fried chicken tenders.
Cheese – Red Pinot Gris can go great with a cheeseboard. It goes best with goat cheese but I suggest trying it with blue cheese as well.
Red Meats – Most red meats and red Pinot Gris area match made in heaven. Enjoy a glass alongside grilled steaks, lamb, or pork. This wine would be a fun treat to serve during a dinner party since most people would be trying red Pinot Gris for the first time.
Pasta – Red Pinot Gris goes great with pasta. Pesto pasta, Pasta in Alfredo sauce, or Mariana sauce can taste amazingly delicious with red Pinot Gris.
Is Red Pinot Gris the Same as Pinot Noir?
This is one of the most common questions that wine enthusiasts tend to ask about red Pinot Gris.
The simple answer is no, red Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are not the same things. Red Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are two different types of grapes that produce different types of wine, Noir traditionally being red wine and Gris being white.
As this article describes, red Pinot Gris is an untraditional red wine made from grapes usually reserved for producing white wines.
Summary
That’s everything you need to know about red Pinot Gris. I hope this short read made you want to consider adding a bottle to your wishlist.
Try its unique flavors yourself, or use it to surprise your friends and family at your next get-together. If someone doesn’t believe a red Pinot Gris can exist, show them this article to change their mind.
As long as winemakers continue to experiment with different types of grapes, we will be here to write about them.
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