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2011 Ocean Eight Pinot Gris
Wine Making
Pinot Gris (gris: 'grey' in French) matches many different foods making it one of the most versatile white wine varieties to match with foods.
The French, typically from the region of Alsace, use winemaking methods to highlight the richness and oily character in this variety. These methods include ageing the wine in old barrels with heavy lees (sediment, skin and dead yeast cells formed at the bottom of the barrels). The lees in particular influence the oily rich character of this variety. The wine is usually stored for an extended perion of time; 10-12 months.
Pinot Griggio (griggio: 'grey' in Italian) Is another interpretation of the same variety. The traditional Italian method comes from the region of Friulli. In this region the Italians genrally store their Griggio in tank. The Italians do not age the wine like their French neighbours in barrels - usually 4-6 months in stainless steel tanks. The Italian method of making this variety lends towards more minerally acidic wines.
The rich soils of Red Hill on The Mornington Peninsula where Ocean Eight has planted its Pinot Gris vineyard is ideal for making the gris style. The Ocean Eight Pinot Gris is a FANTASTIC food wine.
Tasting Notes
OCEAN EIGHT PINOT GRIS
In appearance the wine is very pale yellow with no tinges of pink. There is a delicate citrus and floral perfume on the nose with lemon and tangerine being the most overt. In addition there are some almonds and pears. The texture is the key to this wine and indeed the style of the variety. Here it is substantial with almost an oily viscosity. There is a contrast with the delicate perfume by the rich texture. The finish is dry and lingers with plenty of crisp acid. Enjoy the wine young and fresh and try it with spicy Asian stir fries and/or seafood salads.
