A white. That’s actually a red. That makes a rosé.
Though Pinot Gris is traditionally made as a white wine throughout the world, you may be surprised to know that it actually has skin that is more red than white! It is lighter than most red grapes, but the skins can still add a subtle color to the finished wine.
In the Centre Loire region, specifically Reuilly, Pinot Gris is relied upon to create a rosé style wine. The grapes ripen early with small bunches of tight berries that have a thin colored skin and a very sweet, perfumed flesh that releases white juice. To create this unique style of wine, the grapes are vinified like a white wine would be, pressed as soon as they arrive in the cellar and allowing only a short period of contact with the skins.
The result is a delicate rosé with just a hint of color. These wines tend to be very complex, developing aromas of candied fruits and honey as they age. They are considered a delicacy, one that can be put away in your cellar for quite some time.