Pinot Grapes

 

How are Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, and Pinot Bianco/Pinot Blanc related? What are the differences? Where are they grown? In today’s post, I would like to talk about these grapes and the wonderful wines that are made from them. Most folks are very familiar with Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio. New Jersey is growing and producing many good examples of both of these varieties. It’s worth taking a closer look at each of these grapes. I’ll also share a few of my favorites right here in New Jersey.

Pinot Noir

This is the red wine grape that most folks are familiar with. It is also the source of the other Pinots. The other Pinots discussed here are thought to be genetic mutations. The color of the grapes mutated in some of the canes (shoots) on the vines of Pinot Noir grapes. “Pinot” means “pine cone”, while “noir” means black. While the grape is actually more a deep bluish-purple, the wine tends to be a ruby color, with variations, depending on where it was made. The term “pinot” describes the shape of the grape clusters, as they resemble pine cones. This is true of all of the Pinots (including others not mentioned here, such as Pinot Meunier, frequently used to make Champagne. As mentioned above, New Jersey produces some excellent Pinot Noir. I recently added a few of these to my cellar, pictured below (Turdo Vineyards 2020). The 2020 vintage is certainly one of their best. It was aged for 12 months in French Oak and 8 more months in the bottle, with a delicious milk chocolate aroma, black cherry notes on the palate and silky smooth tannins. My two other favorite New Jersey Pinot Noirs are offered at Unionville Vineyards and Beneduce Vineyards.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is thought of as being an Italian wine in its origin. The term “Grigio” is Italian for grey. However, its origins are likely in France, where “gris” is the French word for grey. While many people drink Italian Pinot Grigio, even within Italy there are many wonderful nuances in this grape there-from inexpensive, light, but refreshing versions to those with a bit more body (especially in the northern regions of Italy). Pinot Grigio is commonly made in this country, including in New Jersey. Below are photos of a couple of bottles I retrieved from my cellar that I have enjoyed recently. From left to right: 2021 Hawk Haven Vineyards and 2021 Turis Pinot Grigio from Turdo Vineyards. The Hawk Haven Pinot Grigio has just a hint of sweetness to go along with lemon and lime on the palate. Hawk Haven also makes a Signature Series Pinot Grigio that is bone dry and a bit more complex, for a few dollars more. Turdo’s Pinot Grigio is crisp, clean and refreshing with citrus notes and good, well-balanced acidity.

Pinot Gris

Though there is some dispute in the wine world, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are, genetically speaking, the same grape. Subtle differences between them are thought to be a product of either terroir and/or the winemaker’s techniques rather than the grapes themselves. Like Pinot Grigio, you can find it produced in many places, though perhaps not as commonly produced as Pinot Grigio. Three of the better states in this country to find Pinot Gris are Oregon, New York, and Washington. There are a few of New Jersey wineries that make a good Pinot Gris. My favorite is found at Old York Cellars (pictured below). This wine has a somewhat rounder mouthfeel than the Pinot Grigios mentioned above, and perhaps a little less acidity. William Heritage also makes a very nice Pinot Gris (in limited quantities). The winemakers at both wineries have chosen to utilize a style more reflective of French winemaking than Italian to make their Pinot Gris. One of the results is the somewhat rounder mouthfeel, as observed in the Old York Cellars Pinot Gris.

Pinot Blanc/Pinot Bianco

Pinot Blanc and Pinot Bianco are the same grape. Blanc means white in French and Bianco is Italian for white. This is an interesting grape, but the least common of these Pinot grapes. The grapes look light green, but make a nice white wine. Like Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, the grapes are thought to be a genetic color mutation of Pinot Noir grapes. However, they have the least amount of color. Instead of deep blue or purple (like Pinot Noir) or grey (like Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris) they are white when ripe. I have had a couple bottles from Italy (Kettmeir Pinot Bianco was my favorite) that I have enjoyed in the past several years. There are no New Jersey growers of this grape or producers of the wine, to my knowledge. In addition to Italy, it is also found in France, Germany, Alsace, and Austria (among other countries).

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