Pinot Grigio is traditionally known as a white wine, but it can also be made into an orange wine. Orange wines are made by fermenting white grapes with the skins, which gives the wine an orange or amber color and adds complexity and texture to the final product. In the case of Pinot Grigio, the addition of the Muscat Ottonel variety on the skins further enhances the floral and sweet citrus character of the wine.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and evaluate many different types of wines, including orange wines. Pinot Grigio as an orange wine is quite unique and stands out from the typical white Pinot Grigio that most people are familiar with. The extended skin contact during fermentation gives the wine a distinctive orange hue, and the flavors and aromas are more pronounced and complex.
When tasting a Pinot Grigio orange wine, you can expect to find floral notes, reminiscent of blossoms and petals. The sweet citrus character is also prominent, with hints of orange peel and ripe grapefruit. These fruit flavors are complemented by light spiciness, which adds a layer of complexity to the wine.
One of the remarkable aspects of Pinot Grigio orange wine is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing and aromatic wine, or it can be paired with a variety of dishes. The floral and citrus notes pair well with seafood, especially shellfish like shrimp and scallops. The light spiciness also makes it a good match for Asian cuisine, particularly dishes with ginger or lemongrass.
I recall a recent experience where I had the opportunity to taste a Pinot Grigio orange wine at a wine tasting event. The wine had a beautiful pale orange color and immediately caught my attention. On the nose, it was incredibly aromatic, with floral and citrus notes that were quite pronounced. On the palate, it was vibrant and refreshing, with a good balance of acidity and fruitiness. The light spiciness added an interesting twist and made it a very enjoyable wine to drink.
Pinot Grigio can indeed be made into an orange wine. The addition of the Muscat Ottonel variety on the skins enhances the floral and sweet citrus character of the wine, resulting in a crowd-pleasing and versatile wine. If you are looking for a unique and aromatic white wine experience, I highly recommend trying a Pinot Grigio orange wine.