Black Star Farms

Few wine regions outside of Alsace can grow and produce an Alsace style Pinot Gris with great success. Certainly, Oregon is one place that can and does. From that State, consumers find the wine labeled only as Pinot Gris – never Pinot Grigio.

In Michigan, most Pinot Gris is labeled Pinot Grigio and many winemakers admit that, given their fruit source, making an Alsace style is impossible. “From Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula,” says winemaker Lee Lutes, “this clonal cousin of Pinot Noir can really strut its stuff and carry the Pinot Gris label proudly.”

Springtime wild flowers are the hallmark aroma, accompanied by the scents of Crenshaw melon, mandarin orange and lemon-lime zest. Fresh, bright acidity and a minerality add zing to the flavor profile which mirrors aromas in the melon and citrus spectrum. This tangy aspect creates outstanding pairings with shellfish or salmon and light Mediterranean-style dishes highlighted by couscous.

Winemaker Lutes believes that the wine is best one year post-bottling, which was July 2007. With proper cellaring, it will offer a broader palate presence for at least three years from bottling.

Reviewed February 27, 2008 by Eleanor & Ray Heald.