Whether you are rustling up a fresh salad for a lunchtime catch up with the gang or cooking up a seafood feast for a romantic date night with your bae, a chilled bottle of Barefoot Pinot Grigio is the perfect accompaniment.
It is a popular, light-bodied white wine that is refreshing, crisp and easy to drink. It’s perfect for sipping in the garden on a warm summer’s evening but this year-round wine is also ideal to drink alongside comfort food as golden leaves fall from the trees, daffodils sprout through the soil or snow settles on the ground outside.
Where is Pinot Grigio from?
Pinot Grigio originated in Italy and was produced in the northeast of the country, specifically the Lombardy region. The weather in California replicates the Italian climate, providing the perfect growing conditions for Pinot Grigio grapes and allowing Barefoot to produce its award-wining version of this classic wine.
Tell me more about the grapes…
Guess what? Even though most Pinot Grigio wine is white, the Pinot Grigio grape is actually a dark-skinned grape that ranges in colour from blue to pink and is an offshoot of the red Pinot Noir grape. In fact, it is one of the darkest skinned grapes used to create a white wine. Who’d have known?! Its high acidity is retained by harvesting the grapes fairly early in their lifetime. The riper the grape, the more golden and sweeter the wine is. If it is left to ripen for longer the wine will become a pinker colour, like our Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio. It is then stored in a stainless steel, rather than oak, tank to keep it fresh and give it that ‘zingy’ taste you love.
Is Pinot Grigio a dry wine?
Yes, Pinot Grigio is a dry white wine and known for having quite high acidity. This is what gives it its unique style and flavour that makes it so popular with fans.
What is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay?
Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are two of the most popular white wines. So, what is the difference between the two? Well, firstly it’s about the grape. Pinot Grigio grapes, as we’ve discovered above, are classed as black grapes but are more of a grey/blue colour but this can vary slightly. Chardonnay comes from a white grape. Both are dry but while Pinot Grigio is light and zesty, Chardonnay is bold and full-bodied.
Are Pinot Grigio wine and Pinot Gris wine the same thing?
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris wines come from the same grape but different regions. Pinot Grigio originated in Italy while Pinot Gris is originally from France. The two wines are similar, but the former is crisp and vibrant with citrus flavours while in comparison the latter is sweet with aromas of tropical fruit. Pinot Grigio is the most popular.
The climate in California is similar to that in Italy, which creates the perfect conditions for Pinot Grigio. Barefoot’s Pinot Grigio makes best use of these Californian conditions to create a fresh twist on this Italian classic.
What about Pinot Grigio rosé?
Pinot Grigio is best known for being a dry white wine but did you know it is also available as a rosé too? Barefoot serves both a white and pink variety to suit your individual taste buds perfectly. Barefoot Pink Pinot Grigio is made using the skin of the grape which can range in colours that include red and purple.
Pink Pinot Grigio grapes are a little riper when they are harvest – and they’re fermented with the skins on for a short period of time instead of having them removed completely as with White Pinot Grigio.
Should Pinot Grigio be served chilled?
Yes, absolutely! However, you have to ensure you serve it at the right temperature to bring out those delicious flavours and ensure you get the very best taste when you drink it. For Pinot Grigio, the ideal temperature is 9℃. A bottle should be in the fridge for about two to three hours at least before you plan to serve it. Then, leave it on the side for about 10 minutes before pouring a glass. We know it’s difficult to resist but you’ll thank us, we promise!
Is Pinot Grigio an affordable wine?
Yes! This, alongside the delicious taste and the fact it is easy to drink, has made sure it is among the most popular white wines.
What does Pinot Grigio taste like?
All this is incredibly interesting but what you really want to know is what it tastes like, right? Well the fresh and crisp Barefoot Pinot Grigio is a zingy treat for your taste buds. It boasts notes of bright green apple, white peach, floral blossoms and fresh citrus.
What food goes well with Pinot Grigio?
Barefoot Pinot Grigio is perfect to drink on its own. Pop a bottle in the fridge so it is chilled for when the girls come over and you can pour a glass to sip over a catch up. But it also pairs well with food and there are a few dishes in particular that benefit from a glass of Pinot Grigio. Look out for these if you are going to be cooking for your mates while they’re there.
Seafood lovers rejoice! A glass of Pinot Grigio goes perfectly with all fish dishes including cooked fish, shellfish and sushi. Don’t fancy fish? Well, this wine is also ideal to enjoy alongside chicken as well as pasta and pizza. It also goes wonderfully with salad, if you want something a little lighter too.
Looking for inspiration for your next meal? Check out our great recipes.