2011 Pinot Gris from Odile Verdier and Jacky Logel

2011 Pierrelune, Pinot Gris sur granite, Odile Verdier and Jacky Logel

This Pinot Gris from Odile Verdier and Jacky Logel is the last of the fascinating range of samples I was sent from the Côtes de Forez and the Côte Roannaise. Where I was disappointed with their Côtes de Forez, I really liked the quite opulent fruit and balance of this 2011 Pinot Gris, which is very much in an Alsace rather than a typical Italian Pinot Grigio. Although the fruit has richness it is not overblown – the alcohol is 12.5% – and as I say well balanced. 

Pinot Gris remains a rarity in the Loire with some grown here. There is a little in Reuilly used to make the traditional gris rosé and small amounts in Touraine, particularly in Touraine Noble Joué and then a presence in the Coteaux d'Ancenis. In Ancenis it goes under the name Malvoisie as it does in Touraine when it is made as a sweet wine, largely for the producers' own consumption.

Will certainly be making a trip to the vineyards of Forez and Roanne in 2013.