Attributes:

Erath Vineyards Winery

Oregon, United States

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

750 ML

2006: WineSpectator Rating: 88

melon, pineapple

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 86

tangy

light

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

tart

2003: CGCW Rating: 82

crisp

medium-bodied

waxy

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 80

2002: CGCW Rating: 80

earthy

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 83

light

simple

apricot, pear

2001: Tastings Rating: 87

lively

rich

delicious, stylish

fruity, shallow

Food Matches:

This state’s strict wine laws demand that variety wines must contain at least 90% of the named grape (except for Cabernet Sauvignon). The region’s cool climate comes from its proximity to the Pacific and its primary grapes are Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The latter wine is usually medium bodied, with aromas reminiscent of pears and apples and a surprising depth and complexity. Oregon Pinot Gris is a great food wine, and works especially well with seafood and salmon. Pinot Noir is a more expensive wine here, but that is because it can be such a difficult grape to grow that yields are inevitably low. The best Oregon Pinot Noirs are balanced, fruity and full.

(pee noh GREE joe)—also known as Pinot Gris, is grown mostly in northeastern Italy but is also found in Germany (where it is called Rülander), Alsace, Oregon and California. It is deeper in color than other white grapes and has a medium body and low acidity.

Pinot Gris, like the closely related Pinot Noir grape, needs a cool climate and is highly sensitive to terrior, or growing conditions. Though the grape can grow in several places, it makes good wine in only a few. Pinot Gris is one of the two USA whites that are incredibly versatile with food, the other being Sauvignon Blanc. Oregon Pinot Gris has an inherent creamy yet crisp character that agrees with many foods.

Attributes:

Domaine Trimbach

Alsace, France

Riesling

750 ML

2005: Tanzer Rating: 93(+?)

lime skin, mint, peach, spice, stone, vanilla

2004: Tanzer Rating: 95

bright

powerful

berries, citrus, honey, minerally, oak, pineapple, spicy, stone

2003: Tanzer Rating: 91

powerful

candied, minerally, pineapple, stone, stony

2002: Tanzer Rating: 93

deep

petrol, pineapple, stone

austere, fruity

2001: Tanzer Rating: 94(+?)

spring flowers

lime, menthol, pineapple, stone

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 94

complex, rich

apple, lemon, mineral, peach, smoke

strong

2000: Tanzer Rating: 93-96

deep

coconut, grapefruit, lime, pineapple, stone, stony, vanilla

2000: Tanzer Rating: 93-96

rich

classic, racy

grapefruit, lime, stone

ripe

Food Matches:

(ahl zas) Just across the Rhine River from Germany, this region in northeastern France produces wines that are unique in many ways. They are made with grapes native to Germany; their bottles are graceful and long-necked; they are relatively inexpensive; and their labels carry the names of the grape as well as the place-name. Alsace Riesling is far drier than its German counterpart, although it has a fruity aroma. IT can be enjoyed young, but a good Riesling will age and improve for ten or more years. Alsace Pinot Blanc is a light-bodied wine that can be extremely dry or medium-dry. Tokay Pinot Gris is made from the Pinot Gris grape, known more famously in Italy as Pinot Grigio. In Alsace these wines are rich, spicy, and full-bodied and a good match with spicy meat dishes as well as sweet and sour flavors. In Alsace, the Gewurztraminer grape makes wines that are spicy, intense, low in acidity and high in alcohol.

(REESE ling)—a grape that comes mostly from the Mosel and Rheingau regions of Germany (where it is a noble variety), the Finger Lakes region of New York, and Alsace region of France, and Austria. Although often thought of as “sweet,” many Rieslings are quite dry. The word trocken on German bottles indicates dryness. The trademarks of Riesling are high acidity, low to medium alcohol levels, and aromas and flavors that range from fruity and flowery to mineral. Also called Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling.

Attributes:

Josmeyer

Alsace, France

Gewurztraminer

750 ML

Food Matches:

(ahl zas) Just across the Rhine River from Germany, this region in northeastern France produces wines that are unique in many ways. They are made with grapes native to Germany; their bottles are graceful and long-necked; they are relatively inexpensive; and their labels carry the names of the grape as well as the place-name. Alsace Riesling is far drier than its German counterpart, although it has a fruity aroma. IT can be enjoyed young, but a good Riesling will age and improve for ten or more years. Alsace Pinot Blanc is a light-bodied wine that can be extremely dry or medium-dry. Tokay Pinot Gris is made from the Pinot Gris grape, known more famously in Italy as Pinot Grigio. In Alsace these wines are rich, spicy, and full-bodied and a good match with spicy meat dishes as well as sweet and sour flavors. In Alsace, the Gewurztraminer grape makes wines that are spicy, intense, low in acidity and high in alcohol.

(geh VAIRTZ trah mee ner)—This grape makes a deep-colored, full-bodied, soft white wine with aromas and flavors of roses and lychee fruit. Classically a dry wine from France’s Alsace region, there are other excellent wines available from Germany, Austria, California, Oregon and New York.