In the summertime, when the heat is aspiring to 100-degree digits, it is always pleasant to dine al fresco and enjoy a nice refreshing crisp wine. That leaves the field open to whites and those pinks that are becoming ever so popular. There is one wine that definitely fills this bill, especially if you are looking for white wine. It is J Vineyards 2012 Pinot Gris.
J Vineyards Pinot Gris
After first opening J Vineyards Pinot Gris, one finds a very fruit-forward wine with lots of effervescence. There is a zingy citrusy flavor that almost seems to have a sparkling wine quality. A hint of grapefruit was very evident. Initially, the wine seemed to have a grassy Sauvignon Blanc like flavor to it, but that dissipated as the wine had time to breathe. The wine opened up and continued to show off its crispness as the flavors rounded out.
The Pinot Gris grapes for this wine come from several vineyards in the Sacramento River Delta area of Clarksburg, Lodi, and some vineyards in the Russian River Valley. This wine ages in stainless steel and has no malolactic fermentation.
As J Vineyards winemaker, Melissa Stackhouse says, “ This multi-dimensional wine, in a screw-cap, is a delicious social sipper, and also a great accompaniment to a variety of Asian dishes accented with edgy spices and flavors.”
For those trying to get away from Chardonnay, J Vineyards Pinot Gris is the perfect alternative, especially on a summery day.
J Vineyard
J Vineyard & Winery was founded by Judy Jordan in 1986. The winery was initially known for making sparkling wines. Their sparkling wines are still rated very highly today. The winery branched out to include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in their portfolio. Since 2009 they added Pinot Gris.
Judy Jordan’s background in Earth Sciences/Geology, and as the daughter of Tom Jordan, Jordan Winery made winemaking an easy venture. This combination also establishes the ingredients for the perfect winery. An entrepreneur from the get-go, Judy has always utilized sustainable green practices. This principle was usual at the inception of this winery but is now at the forefront of all J Vineyard’s wines.
For more information:
J Vineyards & Winery
11447 Old Redwood Highway
Healdsburg, Ca 95448
Phone: 888.JWINECO (888.594.6326)
email: info@jwine.com
Note: Common to the wine industry, this writer received a hosted wine sample. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.