Foris Pinot Gris 2023

Introduction

Foris Pinot Gris originates from the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon, specifically from the estate’s vineyards in the Illinois Valley. Founded by the Gerber family in 1971, Foris is a pioneer in the region, specializing in Alsatian varietals. Their Pinot Gris is consistently noted for its "Best Buy" status, offering a profile that bridges the gap between the zesty Italian Grigio style and the richer, more textured Alsatian Gris.

Wine Description

The Foris Pinot Gris is known for its purity, achieved through whole-cluster pressing and fermentation in stainless steel to avoid any oak masking.

• Appearance: Bright straw-gold with shimmering clarity.

• Nose: Highly aromatic and fragrant. It typically leads with Asian pear, honeysuckle, and orange blossom honey, followed by hints of white stone fruit (nectarine and peach) and a touch of savory herbs or hay.

• Palate: The wine features a broad, round entry with an enhanced mouthfeel and weight. Flavors of Bartlett pear, Meyer lemon, and melon are supported by a crisp, tangy acidity. The finish is often characterized by a distinctive sweet ginger spiciness and a clean, citrusy zest.

• Technical Details: 100% Pinot Gris. Recent vintages (2022/2023) show an alcohol content of approximately 13.5% to 13.9% ABV and very low residual sugar (around 1.7 g/L), making it a dry but fruit-forward wine.

Food Pairing

Because of its weight and ginger-snap finish, this Pinot Gris is exceptionally food-friendly. It is a classic match for scallops (especially seared or with butter), grilled shrimp, and halibut. Its acidity and spice profile also allow it to stand up to spicy Asian cuisine (Thai or Szechuan) and savory-sweet dishes like roasted chicken with apricots. For a cheese pairing, consider tangy goat cheese or a sharp white cheddar.