24 Mar California Pinot Gris – J Vineyards 2020 Pinot Gris
The Pinot Gris grape thrives in cool climates.
No surprise then that places like Oregon, New Zealand
Alsace and most recently British Columbia
have gained acclaim for their respective versions
of this zesty white wine.
One region that we probably don’t think of when
contemplating Pinot Gris is California.
But that’s where we’re wrong.
It’s Wine Thursday!
Every week, we shine a light on a good wine
that sells at a reasonable price and is easy to find
both at conventional retail or online.
This week, we checking out a cool-weather wine
from an area we typically associate with warm weather.
California is a vast area that defies generalization.
The state includes a wide variety of subclimates and topography.
It’s much more than just heat and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What it is
With its characteristically cool climate,
California’s Russian River Valley is known for its
renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Based in Healdsburg, J Vineyards’ lineup includes
those two popular varietals.
But J also produces a distinctive
and easily-accessible version of Pinot Gris.
J’s 2020 California Pinot Gris is light and fruity.
It resembles a slightly-muted Sauvignon Blanc.
You’ll pick up hints of peach, pear and pineapple flavors.
But this is not a sweet wine.
There’s crisp acidity and solid minerality here that,
when combined with the fruit flavors,
make this a refreshing, satisfying glass.
Don’t be put off by the screw top.
This is quality Pinot Gris.
Where to find it
J Vineyards California Pinot Gris is available
at Total Wines for $13.99.
The price at Safeway and Jewel Osco is $15.99.
It’s at Target and QFC for $16.99.
Fred Meyer has it for $17.99.
You can order it from Empire Wine for $13.95
K & L Wine Merchants’ price is $15.95
Wine.com has it for $15.99
and Mission Wine & Spirits also has it for $15.99