The Ultimate Pinot Grigio Wine Guide

A lady holding a glass of Pinot Grigio while waiting for her meal to be served.

Pinot Grigio is a light, delicious, and zesty white wine that is a favourite among many wine lovers. Originating in France, this ubiquitous white grape varietal is anything but simple. Below, we’ll introduce you to one of the most popular white wines worldwide.  Discovering Pinot Grigio: A Versatile White Wine  Pinot Grigio (or “Pinot Gris”) first appeared in Burgundy, France, as early as the Middle Ages. A mutation of Pinot grape family, this versatile grape became known for its peculiar grey-ish purple skin colour – hence, where it got the name of Pinot Gris.  In the 1300s, the Pinot Gris grape was introduced to Switzerland, where the vine flourished. It later had undeniable success in Italian wine-growing regions such as Lombardy, Trentino, the Veneto, and Alto Adige. It is here that the grape got its Italian name of Pinot Grigio.  Many wine enthusiasts often ask: What is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris? One common misconception is that these are two different grape varieties – but this isn’t true.  They are two sides of the same coin. The core difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio lies in the produced style of wine. Pinot Gris, grown in Alsace, produces a medium to full-bodied wine that can be dry but also can be sweeter and has more texture in the mouth. Pinot Grigio from Italy, on the other hand, is known for being lighter in structure, simpler and fruit forward.  What is the Tasting Profile of This Wine? This dry white is praised for its refreshing acidity and food friendliness. Primary fruit flavours of Pinot Grigio tend to fall within the citrus family of lemon and lime as well as stone fruit such as peach or apricot and tree fruit such as green apple and pear. However, you may also discover some floral aromas such as honeysuckle and white blossom and a faint honeyed note.  Although it is known for its unusual skin appearance, this grape varietal’s appearance can vary significantly depending on how the winemaker vinifies the wine. If the juice is left to macerate on its skins the wine will have a pink hue to it. If not, the colour will be a pale lemon colour. So, this grape can be fun for a winemaker to experiment with. One thing that you are guaranteed with Pinot Grigio, regardless of whether it came from Italy, France or somewhere else is that you’ll receive a wine that is food friendly and enjoyable. Best Pinot Grigio Food Pairings  This versatile wine is an ideal companion to summery, light dishes, and popular Italian staples. Due to its high acidity, light body, and delicate flavours, it is best paired with a dish that will complement and not overpower its outstanding qualities. If you are in the mood for fish or seafood, we suggest pairing a Luigi Righetti Pinot Grigio 2020 with grilled shrimp and lemon. The citrus of the lemon will bring out the crisp acidity of the wine. Vegetable-based risottos such …

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Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: Which is Which?

Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc is a comparison that has puzzled many wine enthusiasts

Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are two renowned white wines. Some wine lovers are fans of both. At the same time, others are devoted to one over the other as personal taste plays a significant role in wine preference.  When it comes to Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc, you must educate yourself on the core similarities and differences of these two white grape varietals. Below, we’ll explore each grape’s characteristics and how to distinguish one from the other.  Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: A Brief Summary Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio wine both originate from France. However, Pinot Grigio is primarily associated with Italy (the French call this grape Pinot Gris). These white grape varieties produce versatile, distinctive, and aromatic wines.  Many would be unable to distinguish these two wines from each other on looks alone. Despite having similar hues, their flavour profiles set them apart. Pinot Grigio is known for its subtle fruit flavours, while Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity and grassy notes pack a punch upon tasting. Yet, how do these grapes contrast and compare? Let’s explore. What is Pinot Grigio? Pinot Grigio  is light-bodied, dry white wine, and its best examples have zesty acidity with lemon, lime, green apple and honeysuckle aromas. It is a white mutation of the Pinot family, and the skins have a slight grey-blue to brownish pink hue. This grape grows best in cooler climates however it is known and increasingly planted in less classic wine regions that are warmer in nature. Typically, the fermentation process for Pinot Grigio wine takes place in stainless steel tanks to retain its crisp acidity and fruit forward aromas.   Growing Regions Pinot Grigio is primarily produced in northern Italy, especially in Alto Adige, Lombardy, and Veneto.  Here winemakers make a light-bodied dry wine celebrated as an ‘everyday wine.’ But, Pinot Grigio is grown in many other regions worldwide. Here are some of the most popular:  Alsace: Known as Pinot Gris in Alsace, this grape has been cultivated across Alsace since the 16th century. Pinot Gris wine from Alsace comes in three styles: dry, off dry, and sweet.  New Zealand: The Pinot Gris grape is grown all across New Zealand. Unlike an Italian Pinot Grigio, winemakers here produce a full-flavoured wine that is richer in texture.  California: San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Monterey make the majority of California’s Pinot Grigio wine. These medium-bodied wines have crisp, bright acidity.  Aroma & Flavour Profile A Pinot Grigio’s flavour profile varies depending on region and producer. However, there are shared similarities between all styles. Aromas can range from notes of bright citrus and peach to honey to more floral scents such as honeysuckle. On the palate, Pinot Grigio is known for hints of citrus fruits, including:  Lemon Lime  Pear Green apple Peach Apricot White flowers  Almond Spices Style Pinot Grigio wine is a dry wine, particularly coming from an Italian region. Yet, it is possible to find sweet styles in the Alsace region of France. Winemakers in Alsace harvest the grapes later in the …

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Best Wine to Enjoy With Valentine’s Day Dinner

An image of a couple enjoying Valentine’s Day wine pairing options

February 14th is right around the corner which means many of us will be looking for Valentine’s Day wine pairing ideas. Are you looking to spoil your other half with a romantic, home cooked meal? Planning on bringing them to a restaurant but not sure which wine to choose? If so, this article will look at the best wine for Valentine’s Day and share some of our favourite wine pairing options.  Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing: Expert Tips Regardless of whether this is your first Valentine’s Day together or you’ve been a couple for many years, planning a romantic dinner can feel a little intimidating – especially when it comes to choosing a Valentine’s Day wine pairing. This is normal and to be expected.  Experts believe that there are several tips you should keep in mind when picking the best wine to enjoy on Valentine’s Day. First, you’ll need to decide whether you will be pairing each meal with a different wine. If you are only picking one bottle of wine, make sure that the wine’s profile will pair with each of the courses you cook.  If you are choosing to have multiple wine pairings during your Valentine’s Day meal, make sure to follow the wine pairing principle of matching body with flavour. A Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, pairs best with meats and dark chocolate. Dry white wines, on the other hand, pair better with lighter dishes such as delicate white fish.  Of course, no romantic meal is complete without a glass of sparkling wine to toast with. Ideal for pairing with Valentine’s Day dishes or as an aperitif, remember to keep flavour and acidity levels in mind. Make sure that the sparkling wine isn’t overpowering the dish and vice versa.   Best Wines For Valentine’s Day: A Guide Valentine’s Day is the perfect night of the year to enjoy some of the most romantic wines and dishes on the market. Oysters, dark chocolate, Champagne…need we say more? Below, we share our guide to the best Valentine’s Day wine pairings all couples or friends should try this February.  Oysters and White/Sparkling wine Oysters are known as an aphrodisiac. Typically served on the half-shell, many restaurants chose to include this famously romantic ingredient on their Valentine’s Day menu. While you may feel intimidated preparing oysters at home, they can be easily shucked ahead of time and are excellent when paired with Champagne or a Sauvignon Blanc.  Champagne and oysters are considered as an iconic duo – a classic food and wine pairing option. According to science-backed research, the reason for this is that both Champagne and oysters share complementary umami flavours that enhance the taste and make this Valentine’s Day wine pairing work harmoniously.  Clean, crisp white wines work just as well. The fruit-driven and light-bodied nature of the wine will bring out subtle and complex flavours of the dish. While its high acidity will cut through the fatty nature of the oysters. Consider trying the Domaine Robert Vic Mas de la Source …

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Healthy Eating: Food and Wine Pairing Ideas

ATTACHMENT DETAILS An-image-of-a-couple-trying-some-healthy-food-and-wine-pairing-options

Just because you have new health goals in the new year doesn’t mean you have to give up wine. While many will be following a new diet that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a healthy meal with a glass of wine.  Below, we discuss the best food and wine pairings that will help you stay on a healthy track without giving up the things you enjoy.  Food and Wine Pairing Ideas: Top Tips for Healthy Meals Healthy eating is on many people’s minds as January rolls around. Maybe you indulged over the holiday season, or you set new health goals for yourself. Whatever the reason, deciding to eat healthily is the first step to making a positive change in your life. Not sure what this means for food and wine pairing?  Wine pairing principles stay the same regardless of whether you are eating a healthy, homemade meal or your favourite fast food. Think about the weight of the food, the flavour profiles, and regionality.  Healthy meals typically include fresh ingredients on the lighter side such as vegetables, fruit, organic meat, or fish. For that reason, any wines that pair with a healthy dish should aim to balance it out. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and a white bean and tuna salad do not make a good pairing.  Flavours also play a role in healthy food and wine pairing. By complementing the flavours of a dish with the wine, you can make sure that one isn’t domineering the other. If you have a dish that offers an earthy, mushroom flavour, pair it with a light-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy. For a dish with more herbal flavours such as pesto pasta, pair it with a Sauvignon Blanc.  Unsure about the right food and wine pairing option for your healthy eating plan? Focus on the region. Spanish-inspired grilled meat dishes pair best with a Rioja red. Or, a porcini mushroom risotto from the Piedmonte region in northern Italy pairs well with a Nebbiolo.  Best Wine and Healthy Dishes: Pairing Ideas All wine (when consumed in moderation) is safe for your health and can enhance the pleasure of a meal. Yet, some wines are ‘better for you.’ Wines vary in terms of calories, sugar, and alcohol content. Those on the drier side – especially dry red wines – are a healthier option. The reason for this is they contain resveratrol which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Let’s take a look at which food and wine pairings are ideal for your healthy eating plan.  Dry Sparkling If you are opting for a dry sparkling wine such as a Codorniu Anna de Codorniu Brut Reserva that has less than 3 grams of residual sugar per liter and offers fresh fruity aromas, pair it with a mini spinach quiche or a salmon salad as an appetizer. The earthy notes of the spinach or the fattiness of salmon will balance with the fruitiness and acidity of a Cava.  For Champagne, consider one that is extra brut or brut which …

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The Ultimate Winter Wine Pairing Guide

The rule of winter wine pairing is to pair like with like. A medium-bodied red wine pairs perfectly with a hearty beef stew.

Winter is the perfect season to relax beside the fire with a cozy blanket and a glass of wine. As you may know, winter brings with it hearty meals that are not only comforting but flavoursome. Below, we look at the best winter wine pairing for starter, entreé, and dessert dishes. The Basic Rules of Winter Food and Wine Pairing Yes, white wines and rosés still have their place in winter. Yet, the colder months are famously associated with medium to full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah while enjoying comforting stews, braised meats, and roasted vegetables during the cold months. Transitioning away from the fresh, crisp aromas of warmer weather requires a different approach to food and wine pairing. Keep the following wine pairing principles in mind: body, alcohol, tannin levels, flavours, acidity, and sweetness levels. When it comes to winter wine pairing, we recommend pairing like with like, e.g. rich foods with the full body wines. If you have a delicate starter then you should avoid pairing this with a robust red. Instead, a light-bodied wine would be better suited. Sweetness and acidity are also important. Make sure to consider how acidic your dish is going to be. For example, tomato-based sauces can tend to be more on the acidic side. A wine that has an equal amount of acidity should be served with this dish. For example, a tomato-based pasta dish would pair nicely with a high acid Sangiovese. This ensures each component balances the other out. Consider winter food and wine flavours. As winter meals can be robust in taste themselves, it is best to continue with the principle of complementing flavours. If you are serving a hearty meaty stew, choose a wine pairing that has hearty notes such as rich black fruit and smoke and leather. Best Wines for Winter Dishes With that in mind, let’s explore the best wines for various winter dishes that you can enjoy this season. Below, we’ll take a look at winter wine pairing options you can try for starters, mains, and dessert.  Starters For starters, why not choose a classic artisan cheese and vegetable platter. The mixture of tangy cheese and earthy vegetables would pair well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. This white wine displays citrus and mineral notes meaning it complements goat’s cheese or Brie. Another winter wine pairing option is a light-bodied Pinot Noir with a butternut squash ravioli or a mushroom risotto. The earthiness of the wine matches the earthiness of the dish – easily enjoyed by all wine enthusiasts.  Entreé Hearty stews are an iconic dish on every table during the winter months. A comforting stew is best paired with a versatile Merlot – regardless of whether it’s made with lamb or beef. This versatile, mellow wine offers a soft finish and easy tannins. Its red fruit flavours blend seamlessly with many winter dishes.  For a vegetarian option such as a savoury potato pie with nutmeg and thyme, consider pairing it with a …

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Winter and Wine: 5 Wine Categories to Try This Winter Season

An image of two wine glasses and an appetizer in front of a fireplace

Sipping a crisp, vibrant wine outside at a summer BBQ is lovely. However, taking shelter from the cold beside a cozy fire with a glass of a bold red or full-body white is equally as enjoyable. Below, we will look at the top grape varietals to try during the colder months.  Winter Warmers: Why This Season is the Perfect Time to Enjoy Wine As a wine enthusiast, you’ll know that wine can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, there is something extra special about the combination of winter and wine. Perhaps it is the warm fires and hearty food, or the flannel blankets and fuzzy slippers that make the season wine friendly.  Some may think that full-bodied reds are the only appropriate option for this time of year but that is far from the case. Below, we share our top picks to keep in mind when choosing wine during the winter season.  Best Wines for Wintertime  Many wines pair perfectly with the winter months. From a fruity Argentine Malbec to an aged oaked Chardonnay, these wines can be the ideal transition wines from summer to winter. However, there is a good rule of thumb to follow when trying to find the ideal winter wine.  As the weather turns colder, we automatically reach for dishes that have rich, savoury textures and flavours. Make sure that you choose wines that have the structure and character to complement hearty winter dishes well.  The grape varietals listed below are a few of our go-to recommendations for winter.  Cabernet Sauvignon A fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon with its mouth-hugging tannins is an ideal choice for those colder evenings when you just want to relax beside a roaring fire. With complex flavors of blackcurrant (cassis), black cherry, blackberry, vanilla, spice and tobacco, Cab is one of the most beloved red wines for colder months. Pair with a hearty lentil stew, steak, and mashed potatoes, or a selection of aged, hard cheeses. The Luigi Righetti Sognum Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a delightful Italian expression that offers a full to medium body Cab and silky tannins and robust notes.  Malbec Whether you choose a Malbec that is true to its French origins or a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, this red grape varietal’s rich fruit flavor profile and intense aromas make it a great pairing option during winter.  Ideal for pairing with beef or lamb, tomato-based dishes such as pasta al Pomodoro, and a side of roasted root vegetables, the Septima Malbec 2019 offers the iconic dark purple hue with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and violet. Syrah/Shiraz Both a French Syrah or an Australian Shiraz can hold their own when it comes to winter wines. Perfectly balanced notes of dark fruit and spice mean that this grape varietal will make a great staple at any person’s dining table.  Known for being beautifully expressive, Syrah (Shiraz) ranges from medium-bodied to full-bodied, allowing you to enjoy it at hearty lunch or dinner. This red wine is extremely versatile and …

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Malbec Wine Origins: Exploring Argentinian Malbec

An image of a bottle and glass filled with Malbec wine

Argentina may be famous for its production of Malbec, however, this grape varietal’s origins trace back to the Cahors region in southwestern France dating back to the 1300s. In this informative wine guide, we will be introducing wine lovers to the iconic Malbec grape.  History of the Malbec Grape Although this red grape varietal is largely associated with Argentina today, its history has deep European origins. It is believed that Malbec was first discovered in the Cahors region of France during the 16th century. Originally known as Auxerrois or Côt, this grapevine was brought to the Medoc region by Sieur Malbec where it was renamed and earned its fame as one of the five main Bordeaux grape varieties.  During the 19th century, Malbec was brought overseas to South America by Michel Pouget where it flourished in the Mendoza region of Argentina. While the Argentine wine industry was unsure if the grape would produce a tasty and popular wine, luckily, this varietal soon became Argentina’s crown jewel.  While production of Malbec is highest in Argentina, French Malbec still holds its own on the global wine market. Below, we’ll delve deeper into the difference between each of the Malbec wine expressions and the grape itself.  The Popularity of Malbec Red Wine Malbec’s popularity has changed over time. Originally, it was popular in the Right Bank of Bordeaux particularly Saint Emillion with it reaching its height of popularity during the 1855 Classification. However, after numerous unfortunate natural disasters including phylloxera and the severe frost of 1956, fewer winemakers used these grapes and to this day its popularity continues to dwindle.  While Malbec diminished in demand in France, its popularity across Argentina was going exponentially. Malbec is considered one of the most popular red wines in the North America and continues to be the star grape of Argentina.  Malbec Grown in Southwest France Compared to Argentina As we mentioned above, French Malbec and Argentinian Malbec both have their own distinctive qualities and styles. Many would consider the French expression to be higher in tannins and more rustic than that of a Mendoza Malbec. Let’s explore what these differences are below.  Growing Regions: Difference in Climates, Soils and Styles Malbec is known for showing the terroir it was grown in better than other grape varieties. Similar to Merlot, this red grape can be very sensitive meaning it can be highly impacted by changes in its environment. Therefore,  the climate and the soils in which this grape grows can also play a significant role in the differences between expressions.  In France, the Cahors region is known for its limestone-rich soils and its moderate climate. Here, Malbec grapevines are often found in plateaus or modest hillsides. The soil content gives French Malbec its iconic high tannic structure and acid backbone leading to intense notes blackberry, smoke and coffee.  Mendoza, on the other hand, has a warm climate all year round. The conditions in Argentina are much sunnier and drier than those in France. The clay and alluvial …

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What is Cabernet Sauvignon?

An image of two glasses and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines in the world. Learn about this iconic hybrid red wine grape varietal and its characteristics.

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