Oh, if only the choice of wine was as simple as deciding between red and white. In actuality, there are several thousand varieties of both ‘reds’ and ‘whites’ to choose from. For the month of July, we will turn our focus to white wine varietals and share with you some of our favorites

Pinot Grigio is a zesty white wine that is as refreshing as a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer’s day. The second most popular white wine in America, Pinot Grigio (aka Pinot Gris) is a dry white wine that has a punchy acidity with flavors of lemons, limes, green apples and honeysuckle. While most believe Pinot Grigio originated in Italy, it was actually born, like many of the most popular grapes of the world, in France, where it is known as Pinot Gris. In Italy, Pinot Gris became Pinot Grigio and the wine found wide success in the regions of Northeastern Italy. The wine grew to become the most popular white wine in all of Italy, and then the most popular imported white wine in the U.S..

Pinot Blanc has its own thing going on! However they’re aged, Pinot Gris/Grigio will tend to showcase a bit more acidity and structure than Pinot Blanc. Pinot Blanc has a rounder expression It’s actually among the regular, daily whites consumed in Alsace. Unlike the often brighter fruit flavors you’ll find in (some) Pinot Grigios, Pinot Blanc can tend towards apple pit and even smoky flavors; it can also be oaked for a bit more richness.

Some staff picks below…

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Pike Road Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Four Graces Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

Anne Amie Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

CasaSmith Vino Pinot Grigio, Washington

Caposaldo Pinot Grigio, Veneto

Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, Willamette

Kris Pinot Grigio, Veneto

Zenato Pinot Grigio, Veneto

Meyer-Fonne Pinot Blanc Vieilles Vignes, Alsace

Meyer-Fonne Edelzwicker, Alsace 1L

J Vineyards Pinot Gris, California

MacMurray Pinot Gris, Sonoma Coast

Villa Pozzi Pinot Grigio, Sicily

Joel Gott Pinot Gris, Oregon

Josh Cellars Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley

Barone Fini Valdadige Pinot Grigio, Italy

Castello di Gabbiano Pinot Grigio, Veneto

Jermann Pinot Grigio, Friuli

Ava Grace Pinot Grigio, California

13 Celsius Pinot Grigio, Veneto

Gnarly Head Pinot Grigio, California

Noble Vines Pinot Grigio 152, San Bernabe

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