5 OF ARGENTINA’S BEST PINOT GRIS

 

The Pinot Gris (French name) or Pinot Grigio (in Italian), or also Grauburgunder (in German), is a white wine grape variety of the species ‘Vitis Vinifera’ (the common grape vine) that is thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir variety. These grapes are normally a brownish-pink, or bluish-grey to black and even white at times, in appearance. The word ‘grigio’ is the Italian translation of the French word ‘gris’ (whereas ‘pinot’ means ‘pineapple’, referring to the bunch’s shape). It is a variety native to Alsace, found along the French-German border, within the Burgundy wine region of France. This variety is considered to be a fine pink grape suitable for making wine, growing in popularity annually in all wine markets.

 

The vineyards of the Pinot Grigio are now spread throughout the world and can be found in wine regions located in France, Romania, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Chile and Argentina. Of note, however, is that they are particularly relevant in the northwest regions of Italy, namely Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. Pinot Gris has gained popularity in Argentina in recent years and, despite not being a traditional grape variety in the country, has shown great potential in cooler climates, particularly in the Patagonian region. The grape was first planted in Argentina in the late 1990s, when a few pioneering winemakers recognized its potential, before quickly gaining a reputation for producing high-quality wines, with its characteristic acidity and delicate flavours. This has contributed greatly to its success, making it a popular choice among winemakers and consumers alike, offering a fresh and modern alternative to traditional Argentine wines such as Torrontés.

Pinot Gris is grown in several regions across Argentina, including Mendoza, San Juan, and Rio Negro but is most successful in the cooler climate of Patagonia, where it thrives due to the longer growing season and the large diurnal temperature variation. Here, the grapes ripen slowly, resulting in wines with excellent balance, acidity, and great complexity in a region ideally suited to allow for optimal ripening and flavour development. Pinot Gris adapts well to different soils, although it prefers those with good drainage. In terms of climate, it needs a temperate climate, with a wide temperature range between day and night, to achieve a good balance between acidity and sugar. For this reason, the Patagonian region has established itself, in no uncertain terms, as the ideal place for cultivation of this grape in Argentina.


Argentine Pinot Gris wines, which typically exhibit notes of citrus, pear, apple, along with mineral and floral undertones, are often fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve their delicate flavours and aromas. These grapes also give rise to wines of various colours, from dark golden yellow, to copper or even slightly pink and may also taste of mixed tropical fruits, such as melon and mango. They produce wines that have moderately low acidity and good alcohol content, as well as an oily texture that contributes to their body.


According to the National Institute of Viticulture, in excess of 441 hectares cultivated with Pinot Gris were registered in Argentina, which represents 0.2% of the total area of vineyards in the country. The number of hectares throughout the country has increased by approximately 30% in the last decade with San Juan province having the largest planted area of this strain. Vineyard distribution includes San Juan with 203 hectares (46%), followed by Mendoza with 190 hectares (43%) while the other provinces have the remaining 48 hectares (11%). The country's varietal exports, for the Pinot Gris and its blends, were approximately USD$10.4 million earned from markets including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Belgium and Italy. In the domestic market, 1,979 hectolitres of this wine was consumed, representing an increase of 52% over the previous and 0.1% share of the total varietals marketed in the country. 


On the heels of yesterday’s commemoration as Pinot Grigio Day worldwide, Thursday Food shares five of the best Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio wines from Argentina:


Pulenta Estate XIV Pinot Gris is a 90 point, 100% varietal made from vines first planted in 1992, at 980 metres above sea level, by Bodega Pulenta Estate. The wine is yellow in colour with slightly greenish tones. On the nose, there are white flowers, peaches and apricots while on the palate, it is very fresh and persistent with balanced acidity and a long, pleasant finish.


Bodega Piedra Negra Alta Colección Pinot Gris is a 100% varietal produced from vineyards at Finca Chacayes in the Vista Flores region of Mendoza’s Uco Valley. The wine has a clear green colour with bright lights. Its aroma is intense and fresh with notes of pear and lime blending with aromas of quince, melon and green tea. In the mouth it is round and smooth with a fruity finish. 


Callia Pinot Grigio is a 100% varietal from Bodegas Callia, that was produced from vineyards located in Tulum Valley, San Juan province. This wine is pale-yellow with steely hues, expressing fruity aromas with marked citrus notes such as orange. It is intense, yet delicate and harmonious all at the same time, with a full mouth-feel, balanced acidity and orange flavours.


Argento Estate Bottled Organic Pinot Grigio is a 100% varietal by Bodega Argento that was made from grapes grown at Finca Pedemonte, Mendoza. This wine is an elegant Pinot Grigio that offers floral and tropical fruit aromas. On the palate, it is light and clean expressing flavours of ripe apricot, white peach as well as chamomile notes with a bright finish. 


Trapiche Costa & Pampa Pinot Grigio is a 92 point, 100% varietal made by Trapiche Wines in the Chapadmalal Region of the Buenos Aires Province. This wine has light green tones and expresses citrus notes, with a predominance of lime and lemon. It is very fresh in the mouth with a marked mineral presence and a long and refreshing finish.

Overall, Pinot Gris is a promising grape variety in Argentina, offering a unique expression of the country's winemaking prowess. Salud!






CREDITS:

PUBLISHED IN THE DAILY OBSERVER - THURSDAY MAY 25, 2023.

ANDRE' WAYNE REID, A JAMAICAN IN ARGENTINA
NOVIA McDONALD-WHYTE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR, LIFESTYLE & SOCIAL CONTENT
RORIE ATKINSON, ART DIRECTOR




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PATAGONIA’S BODEGA ANIELLO

Image
  Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Argentina's Patagonia region, where the Andes Mountains cast their majestic shadow over the pristine landscapes, Bodega Aniello‘s boutique, female-led winery operation lies in the south central province of Rio Negro. Originally founded in 1927, it distinguished itself by applying ancient winemaking techniques that date back over a hundred years ago in Sorrento, Italy. Decades later, in 2010, it was acquired by new owners who then proceeded to execute a complete renovation of the facilities in 2013. Its 55 hectares of planted vines, which are spread across 2 vineyards, includes grapes like Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, the rare French grape Trousseau and of course, the emblematic Malbec.  The location’s desert climate has great thermal amplitude that allows the natural acids in the grapes to be preserved. This is largely due of course to its latitudinal position, which gives the area one more hour of sunshine than the rest...
Read more

SEMILLÓN: REDISCOVERING AN OLD ARGENTINE FAVOURITE

Image
Buttressed by its long history in Argentina, the Semillón white wine grape is being rediscovered by the country’s wineries, despite an annual decline in the vineyard surface affecting various vines. In what is touted as a well-timed revival, oenologists are becoming more attentive to the vast potential of the Semillón with the hopes of making it another flagship varietal in the south alongside the Malbec and Torrontes. Of the 704 hectares currently planted in Argentina, 86% is found in Mendoza with the remaining 14% found in another ten provinces including La Pampa, Chubut and Buenos Aires. The launch of new Semillón wines in recent years, gives credence to the ‘revivalist sentiment’ being expressed in wine circles globally as, despite being mostly used as an enhancer, it finds greater footing as a varietal.  The Semillón grape, a classic from the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, has adapted well to life in Argentina, particularly the cooler regions of Mendoza and Patagonia. Thoug...
Read more

ARGENTINA’S TRENDY WHITE MALBEC WINES: VERSATILE RED MALBEC BIRTHS ‘NEW’ WHITE SENSATION

Image
  The extreme versatility of the Malbec is evident in the way it has been able to adapt to the different terroirs of Argentina’s wine producing areas. The country’s world-renowned, emblematic red variety can be used for making rich young red wines, aging varietals, deliciously sweet specimens or even delicate rosé wines. It is also possible to produce fortified wines as well as sophisticated sparkling wines, which are all 100% Malbec, so the steady emergence of this red grape's most recent evolution as a white wine has been met with much excitement across the global wine regions. White Malbec is a wine made using a technique similar to that used to produce white wines, but from a red grape. This ‘new’ style of wine, quite naturally, has a peculiarity whereby its aromatic palette gives the organoleptic characteristics of red wines but also white wines are intermingled. When in the mouth, it offers both a rich and present acidity, characteristic of sharp whites, but with a weight an...
Read more

URUGUAY'S NATIONAL GRAPE: TANNAT - COMMEMORATING WORLD TANNAT DAY- APRIL 14, 2023

Image
  It has been long established that many European grape varieties have been able to adapt so beautifully to the South American terroir, that they have subsequently become the emblematic variety of their new home countries. In much the same way that vintners have been able to reimagine the Carménère in Chile or the Malbec in Argentina, Uruguay’s winemakers have developed the Tannat to become their award-winning, emblematic red wine. Tannat is a red grape variety that is originally from the southwestern region of Basque in France that is believed to have arrived in South America in the late 19th century. Basque immigrants are said to have brought the variety to Uruguay as they were looking for a grape that could withstand the country's cool, humid climate. Many years later, the grape became hugely popular and was eventually adopted as their national grape. Tannat , the most widely planted grape variety in Uruguay, is known for producing full-bodied, complex red wines with high tann...
Read more

A NOD TO MERLOT

Image
In honour of International Merlot Day, which is commemorated on November 7 every year, Thursday Food shares the remarkable story of this beloved French grape’s cultivation in Argentina. Merlot, regarded as one of the world's most noble and widely cultivated grape varieties, offers a wide variety of flavours that range from black cherry to hints of vanilla. Its roots can be traced back to the 18th century vineyards of Bordeaux in France, where it has long been a beloved cornerstone of classic wine blends. Argentina's love affair with Merlot started much later, but has since evolved into something truly remarkable and highly sought after by vinophiles locally and internationally.  The word "Merlot" is believed to have originated from local dialects of the Bordeaux region in France, where the words "merle" or "merlau" mean "blackbird." This name was likely chosen because of its dark blue-black colour and the resemblance of its small, round b...
Read more

ARGENTINA’S BLISSFUL BUBBLIES: COMMEMORATING INTERNATIONAL SPARKLING DAY & GLOBAL CHAMPAGNE DAY

Image
Annually, wine enthusiasts and revellers from all corners of the world come together to celebrate two special days dedicated to the wine world’s blissfully, bubbly wonders: International Sparkling Day on October 21 and Global Champagne Day, commemorated on the 4th Friday of the month, which this year falls on October 27. There's something about the effervescent dance of bubbles in a glass of sparkling wine or champagne that instantly elevates any occasion. These delightful beverages have a unique way of encapsulating celebrations, romance, and the spirit of festivity. Every year,  Thursday Food  takes you on this engaging and informative journey through the effervescent world of sparkling wines and champagnes, exploring the history, the culture, and the reasons behind these delightful celebrations. The allure of sparkling wines, whether it be the fizzy Prosecco, the sumptuous Espumantes or the luxurious Champagne, lies in those magical bubbles that evoke a feeling of bliss onc...
Read more

2022’s BEST MALBECS ARE FROM ARGENTINA (PART 1 - PYROS WINES, SAN JUAN PROVINCE)

Image
       Argentina ended 2022 on a high following the selection of Pyros Vineyard Limestone Hill Malbec 2018 and Doña Paula Los Indios Parcel 2019 as the best Malbecs in the world, by British publication The Drink Business, in the recently revealed results of the 2022 Global Malbec Masters contest. Today, Thursday Food features the former, which is derived from vineyards located in the country’s San Juan province, produced by Pyros Wines. This high end Malbec, of which only a limited number (5,392 bottles) were produced, was chosen in a competition that featured the participation of 100 winemakers in Mendoza. The wine earned the top placement amongst other exceptional wines in the “Master” category, with a rare final score of 97 or more, becoming the first label from San Juan to achieve the highest award in international competition. This Malbec is the result of extremely meticulous micro-vinification work in different containers, and is an expression of the tremend...
Read more

TASTING DE SANGRE BY LUIGI BOSCA

Image
Luigi Bosca’s De Sangre line offers a story of passion, heritage, and terroir that has been carefully and thoughtfully crafted into every sip, revealing the very soul of Argentina. This experience is an embodiment of the Arizu family’s century-long legacy of winemaking excellence. Each bottle is a masterwork, representing the pinnacle of Mendoza’s world-renowned vineyards and the intricate artistry of blending. From their lush De Sangre White Blend to the expressive De Sangre Malbec DOC Luján de Cuyo, and the audacious De Sangre Cabernet Franc, this collection invites you to embark on a sensory journey through Argentina’s most iconic wine regions.  Recently, this writer accepted the invitation to an exclusive, sommelier-guided, tasting experience in Buenos Aires where we were introduced to three labels from the De Sangre line along with a signature espumante. The De Sangre label, meaning “Of Blood,” is deeply symbolic as It pays homage to the Arizu family’s winemaking heritage, bui...
Read more

A GUIDE TO SUMMER WINES FROM ARGENTINA (PART 2 - ELEGANT REDS & EFFERVESCENT SPARKLING)

Image
As the summer draws near, its days drenched in resplendent sunlight, heralding the arrival of a season characterized by its languid, sun-kissed days that give way to serene, warm evenings, there is no better time to immerse oneself in exquisite Argentinian wines. Last week in Part 1, we suggested a few wines that should be added to your summer drink list and these included 2 whites, a rosé and 2 naranjos. Today, Thursday Food  will feature light reds and sparkling options that are sure to enhance any summer soiree . Summer wines offer a delightful escape from the heat, boasting light bodies, refreshing acidity, and a unique ability to harmonize with the warmth rather than clash against it. These wines, with their crisp taste, fruity bouquet, and occasional floral notes, provide a refreshing respite from the hot weather. Designed to not only refresh but also enhance the flavours of summer cuisine, they complement everything from freshly caught seafood to sun-ripened fruits, reflecti...
Read more

ORANGE WINES HERALD THE ARGENTINE SPRING!

Image
  Winter is officially over in Argentina and, despite the frosty temperatures that still linger, spring is here, bringing with it the latest wine innovations to explore from South America! On September 21 each year, vinophiles on this side of the world say goodbye to the decadent reds, especially Malbec, that kept us warm for the winter season which began on June 21. Spring’s arrival calls for floral and flavourful white wines, like Torrontés, as well vivacious and refreshing rosé wines heralding a season filled with vibrance, warmth and colour. Argentine oenologists are constantly exploring new horizons for their wines and the emergence of orange wine is a testament to their prowess as tastemakers. Orange wine, which first appeared domestically around 2011, began as a niche trend, when vintners across the country exhaustively experimented with different varieties and different techniques in order to provide new gastronomic experiences. Orange wine, also known as amber wine, is mad...
Read more