Wine 101: Pinot Gris & Pinot Grigio

Italian Pinots (and others modeled on them) tend to be light, simple wines with suggestions of peach and melon. These crisp, fresh whites are ideal as an aperitif or with light seafood or chicken breast dishes.

Bottlings from Alsace are richer, with strong notes of almonds, spice and sometimes honey. American versions, mainly from Oregon, often tend more toward the Alsace style, and thus are mostly labeled Pinot Gris. They go well with creamy pastas or smoked foods.

• Elena Walch (Italy)
• Kris (Italy)

• Domaine Marcel Deiss Beblenheim (France)
• Trimbach Réserve (France)
• Elk Cove (Oregon)
• A to Z Wineworks (Oregon)

The following wines pair particularly well with grilled chicken or vegetables:

• 2006 Milbrandt Vineyards Traditions ($13)
• 2006 A to Z Oregon ($13)
• 2006 Bethel Heights Vineyard Oregon ($16)
• 2007 Kim Crawford Marlborough ($17)
• 2006 Chehalem Willamette Valley ($19)
• 2007 Pewsey Vale Vineyard Eden Valley ($20)