Call it Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, this seems to be one variety from that is difficult to coax genuine interest and complexity from. This hasn’t stopped the onward march of Pinot Gris/Grigio; it continues to soar in popularity, only all-dominant Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc curbing its rise.
The question is, can Pinot Gris or Grigio be interesting? Yes, there are perfectly quaffable, pear drop laden examples in abundance, and some of the richer wines, in the Alsatian mode, can offer more than just simple pleasure.
The 2011 ‘La Luna’ Pinot Grigio, made by importer Tim Stock certainly doesn’t lack for ambition. Made from Yarra Valley fruit, fermented with wild yeasts and bottled with minimal sulphites, there is an effort to produce a wine that sticks its head above the parapet. Certainly, there is a level of fruit intensity and a pleasant crunchy texture that places it above the norm. Yet, there is just modest complexity here. Sure, it’s a well made wine, with some interest, but ultimately, it is a Pinot Grigio, a good one yes, but without out the thrill that some other varieties can deliver.
2011 ‘LA LUNA’ PINOT GRIGIO
Producer: Fruits of the Vine
Variety: Pinot Gris/Grigio
Vintage: 2011
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $24.00
Date tasted: 26 February 2011
Tasting Note:
Pale greenish yellow. Straightforward nose of nashi pears and green apples. Medium bodied, good fruit intensity, once again, nashi pears and green apples. Slightly crunchy in texture. Although relatively simple, there’s decent depth of fruit and length on the palate here.
Score: 15.5/20
The question is, can Pinot Gris or Grigio be interesting? Yes, there are perfectly quaffable, pear drop laden examples in abundance, and some of the richer wines, in the Alsatian mode, can offer more than just simple pleasure.
The 2011 ‘La Luna’ Pinot Grigio, made by importer Tim Stock certainly doesn’t lack for ambition. Made from Yarra Valley fruit, fermented with wild yeasts and bottled with minimal sulphites, there is an effort to produce a wine that sticks its head above the parapet. Certainly, there is a level of fruit intensity and a pleasant crunchy texture that places it above the norm. Yet, there is just modest complexity here. Sure, it’s a well made wine, with some interest, but ultimately, it is a Pinot Grigio, a good one yes, but without out the thrill that some other varieties can deliver.
2011 ‘LA LUNA’ PINOT GRIGIOProducer: Fruits of the Vine
Variety: Pinot Gris/Grigio
Vintage: 2011
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $24.00
Date tasted: 26 February 2011
Tasting Note:
Pale greenish yellow. Straightforward nose of nashi pears and green apples. Medium bodied, good fruit intensity, once again, nashi pears and green apples. Slightly crunchy in texture. Although relatively simple, there’s decent depth of fruit and length on the palate here.
Score: 15.5/20
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