An Early Rain and an Easy Wine

Sitting peacefully in a light spring rain, I hear the rain as it gently drops amongst the slightly greenish lawn, the pine tree, my hat and rubber boots. I leisurely think to myself, planning and plotting all that will be grown in my garden this coming season. Images of a bountiful harvest that come from nothing more than a few seeds, some good soil and this early spring rain.

There is something tranquil, even symphonic about a light rain in the spring. The perfect accompaniment to this rainy dull day would be a pinot gris. The simplicity and easy-going nature of this wine signifies a change, now I know for certain that spring is in full swing.

Pinot Gris may be better known to the masses as Pinot Grigio; same grape, different geography. Greyish blue in hue, this cousin of pinot noir has taken the trip of a lifetime. As with most great grape varietals the most historic versions hail from France, Alsace for those who are curious. From its’ French beginnings, in the Fourteenth century it became rather popular in Switzerland as slowly journeyed into Northern Italy where it was renamed pinot grigio and took on a milder and crisper profile. As with many traditionally old world grapes pinot gris has had some great success in the new world as well, most notably in Oregon and California.

Pinot gris, or grigio is a refreshing wine. One meant to be enjoyed lazily while relaxing, reflecting or dreaming. On this grey spring day it has been a great companion while not only planning this article but also the bounty that will come of my garden this year.