Here’s an overview of one of our most popular wines: Sumner Vineyards Pinot Gris.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have determined that Pinot Gris has a remarkably similar DNA profile to Pinot Noir and that the color difference is derived from a genetic mutation that occurred centuries ago. The leaves and the vines of both grapes are so similar that the coloration is the only aspect that differentiates the two.
Wikipedia says that:
Pinot gris is grown around the globe with the “spicy” full-bodied Alsatian and lighter-bodied, more acidic Italian styles being most widely recognized. The Alsatian style, often duplicated in New World wine regions such as…[California] and Oregon, tend to have moderate to low acidity, higher alcohol levels and an almost “oily” texture that contributes to the full-bodied nature of the wine. The flavors can range from ripe tropical fruit notes of melon and mango to some botrytis-influenced flavors. In Italy, Pinot grigio grapes are often harvested early to retain the refreshing acidity and minimize some of the overt-fruitiness of the variety, creating a more neutral flavor profile. This style is often imitated in other Old World wine regions, such as Germany where the grape is known as Ruländer.
The University of California’s Rhonda J. Smith says:
Pinot gris, like Pinot noir, was first described in the fourteenth century. It is widely planted throughout Europe; in the United States, Oregon growers were early pioneers in planting and promoting the variety.
Even more so than Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris requires a cool climate and a long growing season in order to maintain its slightly low acidity. To make a wine style that is typical of cool growing regions, it is harvested at no more than 23.5° Brix. In the coolest growing regions, harvest sugar level is often determined by the year since extremely cool vintages may result in fruit that is less ripe. This variety is also grown in warmer areas [of California] such as the Sierra foothills and the northern San Joaquin Valley, where it ripens easily.
Vineyard design, including rootstock, trellis, and planting density is similar to that of Pinot Noir. Vigor is considered moderate to moderately low, although this is affected by site characteristics such as soil depth and temperatures. It may be slightly less vigorous than Pinot Noir. For premium wine quality, yields are kept under 5 tons per acre. In cool areas, low tonnage often occurs by default, since cool, damp conditions at bloom will result in poor set.
Pinot Gris is more versatile and easier to grow than Pinot Noir. In warmer areas, it is acceptable to plant it on deeper soils that are capable of producing up to 6 tons per acre. In these areas, cluster thinning is not as essential. Fruit set is variable depending on the year, yet tight clusters are the norm.
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