Do you want to know what it’s like to combine the best two things in the world? If you have ever paired wine with cheese, we are sure you know. But not all wines are compatible with all sorts of cheese. You can pair your favourite wine with your favourite cheese, but if the flavour and intensity do not match, the taste will be awful.
All wine lovers know their favourite wine pretty well. As pinot grigio is considered a beginner’s wine, this blog post is a beginner’s guide to the best wine and cheese pairings. So sit back, prepare to sip your pinot grigio with some soft cheese, and read on to get insights on creating the best wine and cheese pairing experience.
If you have been in the wine scene for a while now, you must have heard about Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. While these two classy wine variants look pretty identical, you can differentiate them by leveraging some of their unique characteristics. Find out more about Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio in this article.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio – An Overview
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are both varieties of white wine grape. Both belong to the Vitis vinifera family and are thought to be mutant clones of the Pinot Noir variety. However, the origin of these grapes is different. Pinot Gris is cultivated in Alsace, France, while Pinot Grigio comes from the Lombardy region of Italy.
Both varieties produce identical but little different wines. However, they are typically categorised depending on whether they have been made following the French style or the Italian recipe. Presently, both Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are produced across the globe.
Though many aficionados use the terms ‘Pinot Gris’ and ‘Pinot Grigio’ interchangeably, a few characteristics set them apart.
● Taste
Authentic French Pinot Gris features a rich and spicy flavour. The grapes usually range from greyish pink to blue. In fact, in French, Gris means grey. Pinot Gris has different styles, each with a distinctive flavour profile. Typically, Pinot Gris carries the notes of citrus, stone fruit, and tropical fruits.
In some varieties, you can detect subtle undertones of sweet lemon. However, the wine’s acidity depends on the grape’s maturity. The riper the fruit is, the less acidic the drink tends to be.
On the other hand, the Italian Pinot Grigio is crisp and light-bodied. They feature complex aromas like pear, stone fruit, green apple, and honeysuckle. Usually, early harvested Pinot Grigios make wines with higher acidity. Pinot Grigio wines are less spicy and lighter than the French Pinot Gris wine.
● Food Pairings
Pinot Gris’ zesty and refreshing acidity makes it ideal for pairing with fresh veggies, lighter meals, and raw fish. You can also try shellfish with Pinot Gris. The best fishes to partner with Pinot Gris are sea bass, trout, haddock, cod, perch, etc. Oysters and clams are great options as well. White meats like chicken and turkey also go well with Pinot Gris.
If you want to try Pinot Gris with cheese, you should bet on cow and sheep’s milk cheeses, Grana Padano, or muenster. Additionally, you can include some spices and herbs like thyme, white pepper, ginger, cinnamon, fenugreek, etc.
Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is highly acidic. Thus, you can pair it with pork or beef, cucumber, celery, onion, or kale. Furthermore, you can try pairing Pinot Grigio with green apples, white beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or squash. Ginger and garlic pair well with Pinot Grigio.
● Temperature
While both Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris can be enjoyed at cooler temperatures, their particulars depend on the style of the bottle. Pinot Gris tastes best at a slightly cool temperature, which is adequate to maintain the wine’s freshness.
On the other hand, Pinot Grigio is best enjoyed when you take it out from the fridge. The chill beautifully highlights its acidity. For both wines, a standard white wine glass works well.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio – The Types
Types of Pinot Gris
Fruity and dry Pinot Gris: This variant features a straightforward fruit-driven style. You can expect the flavours of white pitch, yellow apple, and lemon. The wine itself tends to be oily and rich. This variant is less acidic; winemakers often infuse this certain variety of Pinot Gris with a specific bacteria leveraging the malolactic fermentation process.
The best fruity and dry Pinot Gris wines come from Oceania, South Africa, Argentina, and the United States.
Sweet and fruity: This variant usually comes from France. Also known as Tokaji, this intensely sweet white wine used to be the darling of the kings in the Ottoman empire.
Types of Pinot Grigio
Ramato: The most sought-after variant of Pinot Grigio is Ramato! Some wine lovers also call it a Rose Pinot Grigio. The drink blends the purple skins of Pinot Gris grapes, giving the wine a rose gold hue.
Ramato wines usually come from the Friuli region of Italy, and it features distinctive nuances of sour cherry, dried cranberry, and white raspberry, complemented by an unusual meaty note. You can even find barrel-aged rose Pinot Grigio.
Minerally and dry Pinot Grigio: Another popular variety of Pinot Grigio is minerally and dry Pinot Grigio. Manufacturers prepare this variety with Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the steep valleys of Alpine. It’s lean and zippy.
Pinot Gris is a particular white wine grape variety. In fact, it’s the same grape variety of the species Vitis Vinifera. This highly acidic grape variant thrives in the hilly regions of France, the United States, Germany, Australia, and Ukraine.
2. How does Pinot Grigio taste?
Pinot Grigio typically features lemon, pear, apple, and citrus notes. However, these tones may vary depending on the grapes’ growing region. For example, American Pinot Grigio features a saline-like minerality and honeysuckle notes.
3. Is Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio the same?
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio share several similarities. However, they are not the same. Sauvignon Blanc features a highly aromatic profile, while Pinot Grigio is pretty reserved. Some varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, like Cabernet Sauvignon, are dedicated red wines, whereas Pinot Grigio is mostly white.
4. What is Pinot Blanc?
Pinot Blanc is a white grape variant. These soft and fresh fruits feature flowery and fruity aromas, complemented by the undertones of species and herbs.
5. What is Pinot Meunier?
Just like the Pinot Gris grape, Pinot Meunier is a variety of wine grapes. However, manufacturers use Pinot Meunier to produce champagne besides preparing red wines.
Conclusion
To conclude, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio, both grape variants, make world-class wines. If you haven’t tried them yet, order some bottles now and savour their unique acidity and fruity-floral notes. Pair them up with some delicious foods and turn your gloomy evenings into enchanting ones.
Storing your wine bottles properly is essential because it helps save your house space. For that reason, having the best wine racks in your house is a must-have, especially if you are a wine enthusiast. But what is a wine rack?
Well, a wine rack is an essential tool for wine enthusiasts that allows you to keep wine bottles properly. For that reason, numerous wine racks are available in the market with different features. Some of these wine racks for sale include wall-mounted wine racks, classic wine racks, and modular racks.
In addition, wine rack materials vary, ranging from metal, plastic, and wooden wine racks. But to help you discover more about these racks, we have compiled a list of the 11 best wine racks on the market that you can rely on. Moreover, we have listed several factors to consider when choosing your wine rack.
J.K Adams is our first pick in our list and has one of the fantastic features you may be looking for in a wine rack. For instance, this hardwood rack is made of driftwood or ashwood and has a teak oil finish making it more durable.
Additionally, the wine rack free standing is suitable for small areas because it can come apart; thus, you can install it in any shape that may suit your space. Besides, you can use any configuration to arrange J.K Adams pegs and slots, making it an ideal option for small closets or tight corners.
Lastly, this wine holder usually accommodates 12 wine bottles. However, you can buy multiple sets to double or triple the capacity.
Pros
Durable wood material
Lightweight material
Strong pegs and slots for easier grip
Easy to clean
Cons
A bit hard to install it, according to some customers
This beautiful and multifunctional black metal wine rack is designed to hold at least 32 bottles. On its top, the rack has a tempered glass plate that adds more space to keep wine glasses or other accessories.
Besides, the Mango Steam wine rack is made of a sturdy and durable steel structure, and its whole structure is coated with black electrostatic spray paint. Moreover, the rack has no visible screws on its shells to make cleaning easier.
Apart from that, the Mango Steam wine rack also has the necessary hardware and takes a short time to install. Plus, it has a broader application and is suitable for small gatherings or special occasions.
This elegant and straightforward free-standing wine rack can hold up to 23 bottles. Amazingly, the PAG wine rack has excellent features. For instance, it is made of high-quality metal pipes and strong wires to prevent wobbling or tilting. Besides, the wine rack is coated with a durable powder to prevent rusting and oxidation.
Additionally, the PAG wine racks’ large capacity maximises a lot of space and has a horizontal storage method. This storage method keeps the wine and the bubbles in contact with the cork and keeps the cork moist so that your wine can stay for a long time.
The PAG is also widely used and can match any kitchen, restaurant, or dining room use. Plus, it’s easy to clean the wine rack.
Pros
Elegant free-standing design
Multiple excellent reviews
It holds a large capacity of bottles
Saves space
Quality materials
Cons
Hard to align the holes when installing
Some bottles don’t sit well on the rack, according to some buyers
The Sorbus rack is the best choice if you are selling expensive wine in your bar or looking for a good wine rack to keep your bottles organised. This wine rack has decorative metal frames crafted of durable metal. Besides, the Sorbus wine rack is coated with black powder to prevent rusting.
Measuring 30 inches tall Sorbus wine rack can hold up to 30 bottles in total, with each bottle fitting well into the rack shelves. Moreover, the rack is sturdy enough to resist tilting and wobbling.
Luckily, the Sorbus wine rack can also perfectly hold soda and water bottles. Plus, it’s easier to clean and assemble.
The COSTWAY 12 bottles wine rack is another fantastic wine rack made of a study and durable bamboo wood. This bamboo wood is more robust than other woods because it has longer fibres and doesn’t crack easily or deform.
Apart from that, this fantastic rack helps to keep your wine fresh for a long time because its wave bars have a good curvature. This style also helps keep your bottles horizontal, allowing the cork to moisturise thoroughly and keep your wine fresh.
In addition, the COSTWAY rack’s unique design prevents it from toppling and has different slots at the front and behind to firmly fit any bottle.
This wine rack is made of quality bamboo featuring light oak colour, making it ideal for any wine collection. Furthermore, the Wooden Mallet wine rack has a smooth surface with a rough edge and is lightweight. Plus, it has a strong frame and a loading capacity of 16 bottles, ensuring you store more wine bottles.
Nonetheless, the Wooden Mallet rack has slight angles that keep your corks wet. Also, this bottle wine rack has pre-drilled holes that make it easier for you to assemble. Besides, the bottle rack has a modular stacking style and a wavy opening design that helps to lock your bottle without shaking or tilting.
DECOMIL Stackable Modular Wine Rack is made of premium bamboo wood with waves-shaped shelves making it perfect for new wine collectors and experienced connoisseurs. Also, this wine rack has an appealing look that matches well with your existing home decor.
Nevertheless, the DECOMIL Stackable Modular Wine Rack is ideal for flat surfaces, kitchens, or wine cellars. In addition, the wine rack is versatile, allowing you to save space by stacking the bottles vertically. In fact, it has a beautiful scallop shape; thus, you can store the bottles horizontally and prevent tilting.
The Simple Trending wine rack is made of solid and durable premium metal and has a fully polished surface that makes the stored wine bottles safe. Additionally, the four-tier wine rack can perfectly hold up to 16 bottles, thus saving a lot of space in your house.
Even better, the Simple Trending wine rack comes with all the necessary hardware, tools, and instructions, making it easier for you to install. Besides, the rack coordinates well with your existing decor and can fit anywhere in your home.
This gorgeous wall-mounted wine rack holds up to 32 bottles, thus allowing you to save a lot of space. Also, the DlandHome rack can be perfect for your home or bar area in matching your preferred decor.
In addition, the wine rack wall-mounted bottle holder has a wave design to prevent the wine bottles from falling. Moreover, the rack is easier to clean and install.
CellarStak Wine rack is an attractive and durable rack made of quality metal. It has a large capacity and can hold up to 60 bottles. Thus, this rack is a good display for a home bar, restaurant, or kitchen, holding more wine bottles.
The incredible thing about the CellarStak Wine rack is that it holds the bottles horizontally, thus keeping the wine fresh until you are ready to drink. Besides, the rack is easier to assemble as it comes with a step-to-step instruction guide on how to assemble it.
Our last pick on the list is the Mofish Stackable wine rack crafted of solid wood that makes it durable. Also, the wood material makes the rack wobble-free, ensuring that your wine bottles are safe.
Apart from that, the Mofish is a good wine rack for shelves because you can adjust the stackable shelf tiers if you wish to. Moreover, this rack has a wave bar design; thus, your bottles can fit perfectly.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Wine Racks
Even though we have revealed the list of our best wine racks, you still need to know some factors to look for when buying your wine racks. This will help you purchase effective, durable and affordable wine racks.
So, here are the factors to consider.
● Material
Material is the first thing to consider because you don’t want to buy something that will last only for a short time. Although this heavily relies on your preference, looking for racks with suitable materials is essential. Therefore, you can look for wood and metal wine racks as they are more durable.
● Capacity
The capacity of your rack will depend on the number of bottles you want to store. So, if you’re going to keep more bottles, you can look for a rack with large spaces. On the other hand, if you want your rack to hold fewer bottles, you can look for one with few slots.
● Weight
This will depend on where you decide to keep your wine bottle rack. For instance, if you keep the rack on top of something, you must buy a lightweight rack to prevent falling. Luckily, all the wine racks in this guide have good weight; thus, you can place them in almost all places.
● Dimensions
Lastly, ensure that you measure the space in which you wish to keep your wine rack. After measuring, compare it with the rack’s dimensions you want to buy. Thus, consider changing your rack or finding another space if they don’t fit perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How deep should my wine rack be?
The standard wine rack should be at least 12 inches deep to allow the neck of wine bottles to jut out a bit. This will make it easier for you to see your bottles on the rack.
2. Where is the best place to keep my wine rack?
The most suitable place to store your wine rack is in your kitchen because this area is the warmest. However, if you wish to store your wine for an extended period, you can look for a temperature-controlled space like a wine cellar.
3. Is it safe to keep my wine resting on its side while on the rack?
Yes, we can confirm placing a wine bottle on its side is the best way of storing wine bottles to avoid oxidation. Note that if you keep it upright, tiny amounts of air can creep through because the cork dries out faster, oxidising the wine.
4. What is a wine rack?
Wine racks are specially designed shelves for storing bottles of wine in an orderly fashion.
Final Words
Indeed, wine racks help you to store wine bottles properly, saving a lot of space. However, due to the numerous different wine racks in the markets, it can become hard for you to find the best rack.
Luckily, this comprehensive guide lists some of the best and most affordable wine racks available in the market. Thus, it’s now upon you to consider your preferred rack’s material, dimension, weight, and capacity to decide on one that meets your expectations.
Whether you have a friend’s birthday or dinner with some workmates, wine lovers can all agree that a small gift is a courteous gesture. The Christmas holidays, Hanukkah, and the glorious New Year are almost upon us, so now is the best time to think about what kind of present you gift your hosts at holiday parties.
A large population enjoys wine and all its adjacent activities. However, pop culture makes it look like an expensive, elite hobby, and many fear the plunge in their pockets after gift-giving. There are many ways to honour the wine practices around you in a cost-effective, functional, and creative way. As much as any wine lover appreciates a good bottle, venture outside the standard and be creative with your presents this holiday. Read below for the most thoughtful wine gift out of your salary!
Wine enthusiasts know that letting a good bottle of red or white breathe before drinking it significantly changes the tasting experience. It improves mouthfeel, expands the aromatic profile, enhances flavours and smoothens the finish.
India Pale Ale (IPA) has an almost cult-like following among its fans and although popular around the world, IPA is especially appreciated in the United States where sales have doubled every couple of years during the present decade. Since 2001, India Pale Ale has been the most-entered category at the world’s biggest beer competition, the Great American Beer Festival, culminating in 252 IPA entries in 2013. In the world of craft beer, India Pale Ale is at the forefront, and it might come as a surprise to find out that IPA didn’t originate in the USA or India.
It’s only since the 19th century that beer was reinvented in China after an interlude of several thousand years when the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties prevailed. However, the Chinese have taken to the beer revolution with a zeal typical of its people, and Chinese consumption has grown dramatically. It’s predicted that this populous nation will become the world’s leading beer market by 2017, and it comes as no surprise that the best-selling beer brand in the world is Chinese. As with other Asian countries, the pairing of appropriate beverages with food is part of culture and heritage, with regional ingredients playing an important role in the beer brewing process.
Belgium is home to some of the most passionate beer aficionados in the world. The pride in locally produced Belgian beer is understandable – the result of 1,000 years of brewing tradition. Close to 200 breweries in Belgium dedicate their expertise toward creating unique flavours that are not found anywhere else, and with around 60% of the product being exported there are plenty of opportunities to discover just why Belgian beer is so highly recommended.
From the beginning of British colonisation of Australia in the late 1700s, beer was already playing a significant role in the development of this fledgling nation. Within a few short years of settlement by British ex-pats, early governors and their convict charges the first hops were successfully grown and the first Australian pubs opened. The taste for beer and the varieties available have grown steadily in the ensuing years, and the favourably warm climate and outdoor lifestyle of Australia lends itself to the reputation of an Australian people who enjoy an ice-cold beer at the end of a hard-working day. In Australia, beer drinking has been an evolution rather than a revolution, with favourite brands steadfastly promoted by their loyal customers.
If you ask the regular Joe which country has the best beer, they may answer Belgium, Ireland or Germany. Close enough, but the correct answer we’re looking for is Czech Republic.
