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There are so many wines to drink and so little time. In light of that, we decided to share everything you've ever wanted to know about your favorite drink so you can make the most informed decisions on some of the best wines you need to add onto your must-try list.
Ready to pack your brain so full of knowledge you won't know what to do? Great, we're prepared to fill it for you and make you an expert wine drinker!
What Is the Difference Between Red and White Wine?
So what's your taste in wine? Do you prefer red wine, white wine or champagne, or are you on the fence? The two wines have entirely different tastes: red wine is famous for its intense flavors and tannins, while white wine is appreciated for its refreshing flavor. As serious wine lovers, we think comparing red and white wine is like comparing apples and oranges: both are delicious, and both can be enjoyed at different times. You can love both pinot grigio wine and pinot noir.
The fundamental difference between the two is how they are created and fermented. White wines are made from white or sometimes even black grapes. The juice is separated from the grape's seeds, and skin and only the grape juice is used to make the wine. In contrast, winemakers create red wine from both black and red grapes instead of white grapes. Plus, the grape skins and seeds are not removed as they are in white wine. Instead, they are kept inside the stainless steel vats with the juice while they go through fermentation. It is the skin and seeds that create the color and rich flavor in red wines.
What Are the Most Popular White Wines?
Here are the main types of white wine you should know: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer. Of course, there are tons more out there, but these are some of the most well known.
Chardonnay
Since the 1990s, this wine has been the most popular type of wine. Bold and dry, Chardonnay has an intense flavor that is intensified further when aged with oak. While it originated in Burgundy France, well-known varietals are grown in Napa Valley.
Riesling
With a touch of residual sugar from the winemaking process, Riesling is slightly sweet with a well-balanced and aromatic fruity body that carries crisp and clean grape flavors. Riesling aromas come from orchard fruits like apricot, apple, pear, and nectarine.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is an herbaceous wine made from the sauvignon blanc grape. This light, salmon-colored wine is full of herbaceous aromas like grass and bell pepper.
Pinot Grigio
Light and zesty. Light and dry. Light-bodied and dry. You can expect fruit flavors like lime, pear, lemon, green apple, and white nectarine from this wine that originated in northern Italy in places like Alto Adige, Trentino, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The Pinot Grigio grape is actually the same grapes as Pinot Gris. (Surprised? So were we before going into the wine industry! More about this conundrum below!)
What's the Difference Between Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc?
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same types of wine made from the same white wine grape variety. We know: what the actual heck, right?! Pinot Gris originated in the Alsace wine region of France. Pinot Gris is the name of the grape in France (gris means "gray"). Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for the wine. Because the wines are made from the same grape, they have incredibly similar flavor profiles. However, they have minor style differences depending on where and how they are made. For example, the wine might reflect its terroir.
Typically, Italian Pinot Grigio is completely dry, crisp, and light-bodied with noticeable citrus aromas, while French Pinot Gris wine is richer and fuller-bodied with a sweeter, fleshier taste. In many variations of this wine, you'll notice notes of white peach, honeysuckle, and honey, all of which contribute to a delicate, delicious flavor.
And where does Pinot Blanc come into the picture? Pinot Blanc is made from a grape that is a white mutation of the Pinot Gris grape. Depending on how it was made, Pinot Blanc is typically light and refreshing or oaked and full-bodied. It comprises intense aromas with traces of apple and almond and can have a medium to high alcohol content.
These days, you can actually find Pinot Grigios from all over the world, from Australia and New Zealand to Germany and Austria (where it may be called Grauburgunder) to America, and California and Oregon in particular. It's one of the most popular wines out there for vineyards to produce, and for good reason.
What’s the Most Popular Pinot Grigio?
That's Bev's Pinot Grigio, of course! How silly of you to ask! She's bright and a lil' fizzy with light and refreshing notes of elderflower, pear, and a zesty grapefruit finish. She loves goofy dancing. She becomes best friends with everybody's pets. She's cute but can cut anyone who messes with you! Spend a night out with Gris and have a hell of a time.
What’s the Best Way to Drink Pinot Grigio?
Were you looking for your go-to summer drink? Good news, you've found her! This wine is perfect for hot weather because it is crisp and refreshing — you can take it with your family during summer picnics and is an ideal "summer wine."
When enjoying wine, temperature plays a crucial function because it influences both its flavor and aroma. If wine is served too warm, you might only taste the alcohol and bitterness. In contrast, if you serve a glass of wine too cold, you'll mask its high acidity, fruit structure, and sweetness. But alas! At the right temperature, Pinot Grigio can live her best life!
Serve up the perfect glass of Pinot Grigio by storing it at 48 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have recently gone refrigerator shopping, you might know that this temperature is slightly warmer than the average temperature, ranging from 30 to 36 degrees.
In addition to the proper temperature, your Pinot Grigio experience can be significantly enhanced by pairing it with delicious foods like light dishes with white meats or seafood like shellfish or sushi. The acidity in Pinot Grigio decreases fatty sauces and brings the flavors together. If you are unsure of exactly what to pair your Pinot Grigio with, here's a tip: many wine-food pairings occur from a region's cuisine and wine merging due to being produced in the same area. That's why it isn't a coincidence that Italian food often tastes even more delicious with Italian wine like Pinot Grigio.
Other suggestions:
FRIED FISH: Fried halibut and vegetables should always be enjoyed alongside a hefty pour of Pinot Grigio.
CHEESE: If we're being honest: cheese tastes delicious with just about anything.
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