Wine of the Week: Coppola Rosso & Bianco pinot grigio

Did you know that pinot grigio is the second cousin of pinot noir?

Francois Cordesse, of Francis Ford Coppola Winery, knows the pinot grigio family tree well. The associate winemaker is behind our wine-of-the-week winner - the Coppola Rosso & Bianco, 2015 California Pinot Grigio at $12.

This pinot grigio is light on its feet. It’s floral and has an impressive range of flavors for the price. The wine has notes of grapefruit, lemon, mineral and peach. It’s a tasty pinot grigio that has bright acidity and a crisp finish. This summer sipper is a steal.

As for its ties to pinot noir, Cordesse said “like pinot noir, it’s terroir-driven. It flourishes in cooler climates, especially with early morning fog that dissipates by mid-day.”

What’s most gratifying about producing pinot grigio, Cordesse said, is that it’s a versatile grape variety that offers many exciting possibilities.

“It can be spicy with lower acidity and a higher alcohol level, which can produce a full-bodied wine,” Cordesse said.

“Aromas can range from ripe, tropical fruit to more complex yellow fruits like pear and quince, resulting from botrytis characteristics. Pinot grigio can also produce an excellent late harvest wine.”

What’s most challenging about pinot grigio is that it requires painstaking care, Cordesse said.

“We must be diligent about the details,” he said. “Bitterness can be a challenge with this grape variety.”

One of the most important details is to plant the grape with pinpoint precision.

“Pinot grigio is related to a specific place, a specific climate,” Cordesse said.

“We try to express the terroir effect. To do so, we carefully select vineyards for this program and work closely with our dedicated growers and colleagues from the viticulture team.”

Cordesse, 48, joined the Geyserville winery in July of 2010. He has lived in Sonoma County since 2001, and in California for 20 years. He studied winemaking and viticulture at the University of Montpellier, France, the class of 1993.

The house style Cordesse is trying to craft is bright and lively.

“We craft a more refreshing, clean, crispy and light-bodied wine,” he said. “It’s perfect to share as an aperitif.”

Cordesse said growing up in the South of France, his family always enjoyed wine with food.

“A lifetime of good wine,” he said, “has shown me that wine is magical and adds color to the day.”