Varietal Classics: Pinot Grigio
2016 Gold: 1 Silver: 2 Bronze: 2 Commended: 2
2015 Gold: 2 Silver: 2 Bronze: 2 Commended: 7
So, have we reached Peak Grigio? We saw fewer entries here this year, and also more tasters talking about how customers either choose prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc, or are happy to be talked into something else.
All of which means that either a) this is a drink that sells with no help from the sommelier (or competitions like this – hence the lower entries) or b) the Grigio boom has happened and the wine is on its way out. Not a bad time to sell any shares you’ve got in northern Italian vineyards, perhaps.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘We used to have four Pinot Grigios when I moved to the restaurant, now we have just one, but it’s still working well. People want something cheap but easy drinking. Ours is £28 – the cheapest used to be at £22 and £20.’ Georgi Mihov, Bohemia Bar and Restaurant
‘We struggled to get medals in the Old World flight. The New World was better. Pricing was OK, but you also need quality. The European wines were often a bit unbalanced and watery, sometimes with too much alcohol as well.’ Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet, Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa
‘That lower end of the market is susceptible to trends. The likes of proseccos and Pinot Grigios tend to fluctuate, and we do build our lists according to what trends people are following. Pinot Grigio is no longer considered a volume wine for us, so we’re looking at higher-quality wines, like Alsace Pinot Gris. People are looking for different styles of wine at the lower end now.’ Mya Brown, The Ledbury
‘People are more likely to spend a bit more on something they know the name of, like Pinot Grigio.’ Jade Koch, team leader
“Pinot Grigio was like the story five years ago. Now the groups of girls order prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc.” Mya Brown, The Ledbury
FOOTNOTE: The price limit for the Varietal Classics category is £12 ex-VAT. Pinot Gris/Grigio can also be entered in the relevant New or Old World category.