J Vineyards is another reliable name to keep in your cellar. They make everything that’s light and bright — from this Pinot Gris to a cool Pinot Noir. And their claim to fame? Well, that’s all about the bubbles. I can’t say I’ve ever been disappointed by a selection from J Vineyards, so let’s start the roll call here with J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Gris.
About the Wine:
Flavor Profile: The wine is a pale straw yellow in the glass, emitting aromas of fresh tropical fruits (I’m smelling kiwi and lime zest here, perhaps a bit of pomelo as well) with the slightest undertone of dry grass or hay. On the palate, the initial flavors are of funky fruits — that kiwi and lime are certainly there, and then there’s a bit of banana, maybe even guava as well. But these fruits are light and bright, largely due to the high dose of acidity that keeps thinks sparkly on the tongue during the mid-taste. I challenge you to pause and breathe deeply once you’ve swallowed to see what kind of lingering aftertaste you get in your mouth. Me — I get a soft dose of caramel and vanilla, rounding out the otherwise tangy – pizzazziness of the wine.
This wine deserves to be served chilled, so you can get the full effect of the effervescence during the lingering finish.
Food Pairing: This is an excellent wine to drink on its own during, what we Cali kids call, an Indian summer. Bring it to a picnic to serve with cheese and crackers or crudite. In all honesty, I had this on a random Thursday with a hotdog and a side salad. Delish.
More Info: This is not the last you’ll be hearing from me about J Vineyards & Winery. But until then, please do visit the J Vineyards & Winery website for more info and to purchase their wines directly. I found the J Vineyards Pinot Gris at Safeway (Sale Price: $10 ).
If you’re lucky enough to be in the area, do stop by the J Vineyards & Winery estate — they have a wealth of tasting options and an estate chef. So, if you’re looking for something a little more fancy to go with your Pinot Gris than a hotdog…sign up for one of their food and wine pairings. I’m currently planning my next wine country getaway. I’m thinking this may have to be on my list of places to go. Cheers, J!
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