Pinot gris

2009Ocean Eight Pinot Gris

Winemaking

Pinot Gris (gris: ‘grey’ in French) matches many different foods making it one of the most versatile white wine varieties in the world.

The French, typically from the region of Alsace, use winemaking methods to highlight the richness and oily character that this variety is renowned for. These methods include ageing the wine in old barrels with heavy lees (sediment, skin and dead yeast cells formed at the bottom of the barrels). The lees in particular influence the oily rich character of this variety. The wine is usually stored for an extended perion of time; 10-12 months.

The Italians on the other hand from the region of Friulli prefer to store their Griggio (grey in Italian) in tank and do not age the wine like their French neighbours, usually 4-6 months. The Italian method of making this variety lends towards more minerally acidic wines. There are exceptions that can be found in both countries.

It is the richer style known as pinot gris that is exceptionally versatile with a range of foods. The rich soils of Red Hill where Ocean Eight has planted its Pinot Gris vineyard is ideal for making the gris style. We can proudly say that the Ocean Eight Pinot Gris is a beautiful food wine.

Tasting Notes

SOLD OUT 2010 PINOT GRIS AVAILABLE AROUND NOVEMBER The wine will match particularly well with spicy foods, tapas style dining and dishes that include mushrooms.

Recommended retail price $32.00