Ever find yourself wandering the aisles of Angry Otter Liquor, wishing the labels would just tell you exactly what they will taste like? We do, too. But sometimes, you have to understand the meaning of the label to understand the experience you can expect from the wine. It's like learning a new language—once you crack the code, a whole world of flavors and aromas opens up to you.

Imagine this: you're standing in front of a shelf, two bottles in hand—Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. With their similar names, you'd think they're twins, right? Wrong! These wines might share a grape, but they couldn't be more different in taste and character. It's like meeting two siblings—one is an adventurous globetrotter, while the other prefers cozy nights at home. Different regions provide different grapes, leading to unique experiences in every bottle.

But wait, there's more! When you venture into New World wines, things get even more confusing. Winemakers here blend styles and create something uniquely their own, often resulting in delightful surprises.

So, in this guide, we’ll break down the different varieties and how they differ from each other to produce a different experience. Get ready to elevate your wine game and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.

Cheers to exploring the world of wine, one bottle at a time!

Traditional Pinot Gris

The French take their wine very seriously, and this variety is no exception. Produced mainly in the picturesque region of Alsace, Pinot Gris offers a typically richer, full-bodied wine with ripe flavors of stone fruit, honey, and spice. With its low acidity, it’s the perfect companion to rich, creamy dishes like pasta or risotto. Picture yourself enjoying a glass with a decadent mushroom risotto—heavenly, right?

Alsace's unique climate and diverse soils contribute to the complexity of its wines. The region enjoys one of the lowest rainfall levels in France, thanks to the Vosges Mountains' rain shadow effect. This dry climate helps the grapes achieve full ripeness, resulting in those luscious, honeyed flavors we love in a good Pinot Gris.

Fun fact: Alsace is one of the few regions in France that labels its wines by grape variety rather than by region, making it a bit easier for us wine lovers to understand what we’re getting.

So next time you pour a glass of Alsace Pinot Gris, you're not just enjoying a delicious wine—you're sipping on a bit of history and tradition, carefully crafted over centuries. Cheers for that!

Traditional Pinot Grigio

Now let’s turn our attention to Pinot Grigio, the Italian counterpart to Pinot Gris. This wine is known for its lighter body and refreshing, subtle flavors that often include citrus, pear, and apple. Imagine sipping a glass on a warm afternoon—it's like a burst of sunshine in your glass!

Pinot Grigio is typically on the drier side, with a crisp acidity that makes it an ideal match for lighter fare. Think shellfish, fresh salads, or a zesty seafood pasta—this wine effortlessly compliments these dishes, enhancing their flavors without overpowering them.

Did you know, Pinot Grigio’s popularity has soared in recent decades, making it one of Italy’s most exported wines? Its clean, refreshing profile has won fans around the world, and it’s often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with a variety of light dishes.

So, when you reach for a bottle of Pinot Grigio, you’re not just picking a wine—you’re choosing a taste of Italian elegance and a versatile companion for a range of delightful meals. Salute to that!

New World Pinot Gris

Navigating the world of New World Pinot Gris can be a bit confusing, especially when labels are used interchangeably. This is because winemakers in New World regions often draw inspiration from either the French or Italian styles and then put their own unique spin on it. As a result, there can be variations in taste depending on the winemaker's personal touch and the specific grapes used.

In British Columbia, Pinot Gris is the number one grape variety in terms of acreage, and it's a major style produced across the province. While there are some differences based on individual winemakers’ approaches, there are notable similarities rooted in the grape’s characteristics.

BC Pinot Gris tends to blend the crisp, lighter style of Italian Pinot Grigio with the richer, honeyed, off dry, and tropical style of Alsace. However, most BC Pinot Gris are fruitier and fuller-bodied compared to Italian Pinot Grigio, yet lighter and fresher than the Alsace wines.

You might see both French and Italian names used, reflecting the varied styles. Typically, BC Pinot Gris are dry or off-dry with a medium body, showcasing flavors and aromas of pear, honeydew or cantaloupe melon, lemon, and occasionally hints of honey, minerality, and baking spice. So, every bottle is a unique reflection of its New World roots, blending tradition with innovation.

So there you have it, the fascinating world of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris! Whether you're savoring a rich Pinot Gris from Alsace or enjoying the light, crisp notes of an Italian Pinot Grigio, there's a whole spectrum of flavors to explore. And let's not forget the innovative twists that New World winemakers bring to the table, especially here in BC, where each bottle is a delightful surprise.

Next time you're perusing the wine section of your local Angry Otter, armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to decode those labels and choose the perfect bottle for any occasion. So pour yourself a glass, take a sip, and toast to the joy of discovery. Cheers to your next great wine adventure!