Baletto Pinot Gris 2012 ( White )

It’ss rare to find the complex aromas and nuanced textures that this cool- climate Pinot Gris shows. Its both fruity and savory; tart yet velvety. And the finish. Long and intense. Intense. The wine begins with a magnificent burst of perfumes. The first of which are lush and heady dried flowers and ripe apples. These are followed by the wines bright elements of pear and lemon. A refreshing dose of lime and that always-elusive minerality rounds out the bouquet and continues into the crisp, cleansing mouthfeel.
While showing tartness in the mouth, the wine still maintains a rich texture and structural viscosity. A honeyed finish lingers for several minutes and is more reminiscent of a finely made red wine than a crisp summertime white. This silky structure is achieved through fermenting 50 percent of the wine in neutral oak barrels and lees stirring several times a month. The remaining 50 percent, which slowly ferments for several months at 52 degrees Fahrenheit in stainless steel tanks, gives the wine its crisp and fresh perfumes.
Food wise, this wine is as versatile as they come. It has the minerality and tartness to compliment the rich, salty flavors of aged cheese, the structure to pair with heavier fish like salmon and fatty tuna, and the depth to enhance fuller fair like a barbecued pork tenderloin with a mango reduction. In addition, it stands on its own quite easily and serves as an elegant aperitif.