INSIDER'S PICK: 2021 ROCK FERRY '3rd ROCK' PINOT GRIS MARLBOROUGH $19.99

This recent arrival and new (to us) producer was a big hit on our annual Thanksgiving wine list, so we wanted to get it in front of more eyes for the second part of the holiday season. With the endless parade of Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough, it's also nice to know there's more than one wine they can do really well. Whether you talk about it from Alsace or Italy, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the exact same grape, just built with different mindsets. Grigio usually refers to the Italian mode of picking the grapes earlier and making a lighter, fresher style that can be more 'basic' at the inexpensive price point, but can be more interesting than people give credit to it when done correctly. Gris is usually of the Alsatian style, allowing the grapes to hang longer before harvest to the point where the skins can take on a grey or pinkish tint. This makes for a richer, unctuous texture and ripe honeyed melon aromas even in the driest examples; the very best versions can thrive with rich red meat dishes like Osso Buco or roast lamb shoulder, able to handle the fats and savory spices without being sugary or floral. While this doesn't quite live at that extreme a level, it absolutely stands as a wine that works with richer everyday dishes in general. Lots of peach, honeycomb and melon skin to the nose that gets more citrusy as it opens up, juicy palate yet surprisingly fresh and clean with no sign of any sweetness, and even a touch of skin tannin to the dry but quenching finish. A great Chardonnay alternative for those that want body without the oaky/buttery accompaniment.  
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