Pinot grigio
Pinot grigio at T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor in Brandon, Mississippi: what it is, how to choose it, and the brands on our shelf.
Pinot grigio is the quiet dry white: green apple, pear, lemon peel and a clean almond finish. It does not compete with food or conversation, which is often exactly the point.
How to choose
Grigio or gris? Same grape, different intent. The Italian style is picked early and fermented in steel for a light, crisp wine. Pinot gris from Alsace and Oregon is riper and fuller, with pear, honey and spice, and sometimes a touch of sweetness.
Region. Alto Adige and Friuli give the most precise bottles. Wines from the Veneto plains are softer and simpler, and make good porch wine by the case.
Food. Fried calamari, light pasta, prosciutto and melon, chicken salad, sushi, or a hot afternoon with nothing in particular.
Sweetness. Most are dry, though some inexpensive bottles carry a little residual sugar to round them out.
Serving. 45 to 50 degrees, colder than most whites without losing much. Drink it young.
If you like it, try soave, verdicchio or an unoaked chardonnay next.
Brands on our shelf
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Common questions
- What is pinot grigio?
- Pinot grigio is the Italian name commonly used for wines from the pinot gris grape. Many are light-bodied, dry and crisp, while wines labeled pinot gris can sometimes be fuller or more textured.
- How is pinot grigio different from sauvignon blanc?
- Pinot grigio is often quieter in aroma and lighter in body, while sauvignon blanc commonly has stronger herbal or citrus aromas and sharper acidity. Both are usually dry and served chilled.
- What food goes with pinot grigio?
- Pinot grigio suits shellfish, light fish, salads, simple pasta and mild cheeses. Its restrained fruit and fresh acidity make it useful when the wine should support rather than dominate the food.
- Does T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor carry pinot grigio?
- Yes. T.J.'s Fine Wine and Liquor carries pinot grigio at 237 Orleans Way, Suite B, Brandon, Mississippi. Browse the brand names on this page, then call (769) 348-0006 to confirm a specific bottle before you drive in.