Pinot Gris 2019

In this ongoing series, we feature various Ponte wines alongside food pairing suggestions. In this installment, let’s take a look at our 2019 Pinot Gris. Welcome—we hope you enjoy “Pairing with Ponte”.

Pinot Gris is known for its refreshing flavors and bright acidity. Sound like Pinot Grigio? It should—they’re the same variety! Grown in Oregon at our sister property, Hawks View Winery, this particular clone of Pinot Gris yields a lively and unique minerality. The 2019 is light-bodied and crisp, featuring a citrusy, aromatic quality. The fruit-driven presence of Bosc pear and flint gives way to a weighty texture in the mid-palate. Read on to learn a bit about more this lively wine.

About Pinot Gris

Ok, so to reiterate, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are two names for the same varietal, made in different styles. Also known as Szürkebarát, Ruländer, and Grauburgunder, it’s a white grape thought to be a mutant clone of pinot noir. With a brownish/grayish-blue hue, the grape was named “grigio” and “gris”—grey in Italian and French. In general, Italian Pinot Grigio is very dry with bitter almond notes and bright acidity, whereas French-style Pinot Gris is richer, full-bodied, with more aging potential.

Originally from France’s Burgundy region, these grapes are now planted across the globe. Dating back as far as the Middle Ages, it later wound up in Italy, Hungary, and Austria. The most popular white grape now grown in Oregon, it also thrives in New Zealand, Australia, and California.  Those who enjoy Grenache Blanc, Abariño, and Chenin Blanc will love Pinot Gris.

Vineyard Notes

Planted in 1991, the 50-acre Hawks View Vineyard offers the ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The southeastern-facing slope and rich, volcanic Laurelwood soils, combined with dry farming and hand harvesting, allow for wines of great character and distinction.

Pairing Pinot Gris

When it comes to pairing Pinot Gris, you could start off with an antipasto platter featuring salumi, olives, and toasted nuts. Looking to pair it with a “Fromage” plate? Chèvre, fresh mozzarella, and firm goat cheeses will do the trick alongside seeded bread and crackers. (The citrus notes in this varietal will complement the salt and seeds.) Best served between 50 and 55° F, keep your guests refreshed with a chilled bottle at your next get-together. And while you’re at it, why not check out our Ponte Clams Casino recipe? Serve a tray with a few bottles of our Pinot Gris, and you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to the French Riviera! Bon appetite!

Ponte Clams Casino

• 20 large clams
• 4 tbsp Ponte Arbequina olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup minced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 tsp oregano
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp fish chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp paprika

1. Lay washed clams on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated 350-degree oven for 2 minutes, or until clams open. Toss any that do not open. Remove meat from shells. Chop, and set aside. 
2. Place 2 tablespoons oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, pepper, and garlic; sauté until tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Combine bread crumbs, cheese, oregano, sautéed vegetables, and chopped clams. Fill clam shells with mixture, place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with parsley and paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 450 degrees for 7-8 minutes.

Visit us for some of the best Temecula wine tasting soon, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Better yet, join our wine club and take advantage of our member benefits today. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you enjoy wine tasting at our facility. Pairing with Ponte is a fun, easy, way to impress your guests—give our pairing suggestions a whirl and stay tuned for our next post.

Saluté!