Our McLaren Vale pinot grigio is dry to medium-dry. It is a clean, crisp, light wine with medium to high acidity. Our family-owned and operated winery produces this popular Italian-styled variety, known as pinot gris in France and 'Grauer Burgunder' in Germany, in South Australia.
How Much Do You Know About Pinot Grigio in South Australia?
Wine drinkers everywhere find the relatively low alcohol content wine’s zippy flavours pleasurable. The pale gold variant originated in Burgundy, France, and contains 11.5 to 13.5 percent alcohol by volume.
• White wines may be labelled pinot grigio and pinot gris conversely in Australia, though those with a higher level of extract should be labelled pinot gris and the wines with less pinot grigio.
• Both are made from the same grapes, with slight style differences. Pinot gris is made in a French style and can be more full-bodied, with a richer texture, sweeter, has lower acidity, a spicy tropical fruit bouquet, and higher alcohol levels.
• In Australia, zesty pinot grigio incorporates lime and pear fragrances. You may encounter honeysuckle, green apple and subtle citrus flavours with mineral – non-herb, non-spice and non-fruit – notes. It often has a delicate, smooth texture.
• Pinot gris is likewise made of the grey-red grape that carries the same name, descends from the grey-purple pinot noir grape, and grows in cool climates. It has higher sugar content, is silky and rich, with overtones of honey and nectarine.
Serve pinot grigio chilled and in a white wine glass. It pairs well with seafood such as ceviche (marinated raw seafood), sushi, shellfish, pasta dishes, salads, turkey, chicken, and semi-soft to firm cow cheeses. It does not work as well with tomato-based dishes or citrus fruits because of its high acidity.
A History of Australian Pinot Grigio
Having been introduced Down Under in 1832, pinot gris became a cult wine in Australia during the 1990s. The varietal thrives in our cooler climates in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
• You will find the first reference to pinot gris in the Middle Ages. The Burgundy French called it malvoisie, fromenteau or fourmenteau gris.
• The variety spread worldwide under different names, and people planted it wherever it landed, in Italy, Germany and later on in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Some regard Alsace in northern Italy as the ‛spiritual homeland’ of grigio and gris.
• Invigorating grigio is generally cold-fermented in stainless steel in Australia, while the more intensely flavoured gris frequently entails barrel fermentation.
Pair pinot gris with rich dishes with butter or cream as it contains more weight and alcohol. Pork rillette, red meats and baked salmon fall into this category.
About McLaren Vale Cellars
Though they do not have singular tastes and bouquets in common, gris and grigio, include the aromas and taste characteristics of citrus, honeysuckle, pear, and apple. Try our wines if you have not yet done so.
Contact us if you require assistance or to place your order.