When New Yorkers uncork a Pinot Gris they are literally uncorking a pinecone grey wine. The Pinot Gris is vitis vinifera species of the white grape variety. This grape has long been a favorite of European aristocrats and has gone through many name changes from Fromenteau to Szurkebarat then Rulander before the final name as we know today. This is also sometimes referred to as the “other white wine”.

Yesterday I was on a business trip that took me out through many of the Finger Lakes Winery areas. Unfortunately it was not possible to stop and visit with our old friends because this was on a different matter and I did not have time to do anything for NYuncorked (dot com).

I was able to reflect on some of my years of travel and work throughout that region and the fine people with a strong work ethic that live there. Back in the late 1960′s and through the 70′s and 80′s I witnessed a transformation in the grape growing business and the expansion of many of the excellent wineries that you appreciate so much today.