When you see a bottle of Pinot Gris does a more familiar wine come to mind? Such as, Pinot Grigio? If so, that is ok! You are not too far off as they are both from the same white grape variety, however, they are different. For example, Pinot Grigio (Italian) is higher in acidity, whereas Pinot Gris (French) is a wine that has more body and complexity, and for this reason, I really enjoy cooking with Pinot Gris! Pinot Gris is a great wine to sit back and sip on come the month of August; it adds a light, crisp, and refreshing flavor to a hot summer evening.
Pinot Gris is considered to be a dry wine and it’s flavor profile can vary depending on when and where the grapes are harvested. When drinking a Pinot Gris you can expect flavors that range from lemon, pear, stone fruit (peaches), and tropical fruits, such as, bananas! This is good to know, especially if you plan to cook with a Pinot Gris. It will give you a better idea of what foods to pair with this complex white wine.
Here are some Pinot Gris food pairings that I recommend when cooking with this wine; chicken tetrazzini, white wine lemon pepper shrimp or light seafood recipes, rice pilaf, baked brie, peach cobbler, fettuccine Alfredo, and light Asian stir-fry recipes.
As always, drink responsibly and in moderation. Cheers, my friends!
“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33
