What Is the History of Pinot Grigio?
This is white grape variety is used to make some of the most popular wines in the world. It's also one of the hardest grapes to grow, particularly when it's grown outside its native region as it can be incredibly difficult to cultivate. This makes this an interesting grape for both wine lovers and winemakers alike. It’s certainly a challenge to grow, but the payoff can be great, producing a truly enjoyable wine for all occasions.
Where does this grape come from?
Similar to pinot noir, this grape originates from centuries ago within the region of Burgundy in France with some reports dating it back to the Middle Ages! In fact, scientists in recent years have actually found that pinot noir and grigio are very closely related using modern DNA sequencing experiments. It slowly started spreading out and reached other neighbouring countries quickly bringing it to the attention of many people and royalty as well. As its popularity grew, so did the reach and influence of this iconic variety as it spread throughout Europe and beyond.
But this is an unpredictable grape and it requires very specific growing conditions for it to thrive in. Namely, these conditions are cool air but slightly warmer soil. It likes to continue to grow through the cooler months, which is where it gets more complex in its flavour. This step is very important as this is what contributes to that signature rich taste of this white wine.
However, individuals centuries ago who tried to grow this vine in the various different countries and regions different to where it originated, were not aware that it required these specific conditions. This led to the failure of many crops, causing growers to waste quite a bit of money, time and other resources. Due to this, it became a rather exclusive wine. Not everyone could get their hands on it and so it was very sought after.
In fact, this was the case for a very long time. The wine was only really produced in the Burgundy region. But this changed in the 1900s as people were able to amend the vine to grow in more difficult conditions and thus, the plant quickly became adopted all around the world and is now grown in loads of countries. This has only added to the popularity of the wine produced by this grape and it is now one of the most commonly found wines. If you’re out at a pub or restaurant, you can be confident in knowing that you will be able to find this staple wine.
What is the end product like?
This is one of the most popular white wines in the world. It’s known for its light colour, low tannins and high acidity, the pinot grigio wine that is made from these vines is a heavily perfumed wine with scents of citrus, apricot, peach and pear. It’s a dry, light wine with high acidity that can age well. This makes it an excellent choice if you want something that pairs well with food but doesn’t overpower it. The pinot grape variety is also one of the most popular grapes to grow - which means that plenty of winemakers produce this wine and ensures that there is a grigio out there for everyone.
So, if you're looking for something new and different, why not try out this long-standing, international favourite? You won’t find another bottle like this anywhere else on the market today. They are light, refreshing, fruity and packed with flavour - perfect for pairing with your favourite dishes or enjoying by itself after a long day at work! Many wine merchants are sure to have bottles from different regions so you can explore all kinds of flavours from around the world that represent this wonderful grape variety.
There really is a huge range out there for you to choose from. From light-bodied pinot perfect for summer sipping all the way up to rich, full-bodied pinot that is best paired with hearty meals. Some people also claim that they're great as an aperitif or even as a dessert pairing if you want something light after your meal. Whatever kind of occasion you want a great bottle of wine for, reach for a lovely chilled bottle of pinot to savour.