Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris, is the greygrape of France. A mutation of Pinot Noir, for generations it grew in Burgundian vineyards alongside its red relation. When field blended with Pinot Noir it adds softness and acidity. In the last decade Pinot Grigio has received massive international popularity. The varietal can turn out white wine of substantial structure and character with the verve to pair well with nearly any cuisine. Sunny, seaside, beautiful Santa Barbara County is a great match for Pinot Grigio. At our Los Alamos vineyard, located just east of highway101 in the middle of Santa Barbara County, the combination of well drained, extremely sandy soils and steep hillside plantings stress the vines just enough to bring intense varietal character to the fruit. This site also has the significant benefit of marine influence, critical for Pinot Grigio. Being a cousin of Pinot Noir, a long cool growing season is essential for the grapes to properly ripen, developing more concentration of flavors, while preserving acid balance.
The grapes are gently hand harvested in the first hours of morning to ensure cooler temperatures during their long truck ride to the Amador County. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is handled with the utmost of care. It is immediately sent to press for gentle processing, minimizing the potential extractionof unwanted astringency and color from the skin and seeds. The clean juice,bursting with Pinot Grigio essence goes immediately to stainless steel fermentors. The fermentation is kept at very low temperatures for over a month, to develop bright, clean fruit character. Chardonnay that was fermented with oak is then blended in to develop a richer, broader mouthfeel and more complex finish.
2007 Terra d’Oro Pinot Grigio is sublimely refreshing. The perfect quaffing wine, it also is a well suited dinner companion for white meat and fish dishes. Juicy Bartlett Pear and apple flavors are accented by the taste and textural sensation of buttery almonds. Heady aromas of honeysuckle and pear are brightened bya lemon essence. On its own or at the table, the clean bright simplicity of Terra d’Oro Pinot Grigio makes it ultimately agreeable.
