Pinot Gris - Great Grape, Agreed!
One of the world’s most popular white grapes is Pinot Grigio. Referred to some as the “vodka of white wines” because it’s available everywhere, an uncomplicated quaffer. The same grape producing wines with more structure is called Pinot Gris. It’s the key style of high quality white wine in France’s Alsace, Germany’s Baden region, and, in this case, New Zealand, where it’s a favourite. During our travels to New Zealand, we were told by our Kiwi friends that they enjoy Pinot Gris as a quality alternative to the oversaturated presence of their benchmark Sauvignon Blancs.
Pinot Gris is a key member of New Zealand’s SOHO Family Vineyards portfolio and is sold under the Ziggy label. Pete Turner, winemaker, had this to say: “Here to save us from mundane Pinot Gris, Ziggy is an exuberant style that will take your tastebuds on a hedonistic ride into another Pinot Gris universe. Enter a colourful nose laden with white florals, citrus zest and stone fruits. The palate is stacked with white peach, poached pear, pastry and a dash of ginger spice. The real magic of this free spirit is the generous palate weight and ethereal texture. Finishing off-dry with a very light smack of residual sweetness. Unparalleled length will carry you off to another dimension.
Sam Kim, highly-respected Kiwi wine journalist, awarded it 93 points. We are leaning toward Ziggy as a delicious complement to a cool, stuffed crab salad roll on a hot summer’s day on the patio. Or, enjoy on its own.