Don’t Shun Pinot Grigio

Wine Categories with a Bad Reputation

Eavesdrop in trendy wine bars, and you’ll hear drinkers dissing ever-popular pinot grigio as so bland and boring, lowbrow and déclassé that only those who don’t know any better would order a glass. Or consider the image baggage of California zinfandel. One of my European friends repeats the trope that this all-American red is undrinkable—gooey, rough and unctuously thick—and white zin has long been maligned as the vino people imbibe when they don’t like wine.

And remember the movie "Sideways," in which main character Miles, who equates pinot noir with love, ranted so mercilessly against merlot that it took years for the grape to recover positive attention in the market?

Recently I started making a list of wine categories with a bad reputation. On it are not only pinot grigio and zinfandel, but also gewürztraminer, Beaujolais Nouveau, and just about all sweet wines, including moscato, Sauternes, port, muscadet, and lambrusco, among many others.

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The Case Against

Natural wine is less polarizing than it used to be, but it still has plenty of detractors. One reason for wine disdain is that people often judge a grape or wine type through the lens of the worst mass-market examples. (Looking at you, pinot grigio!) Another is fashion. Two decades ago, rosé would have been on the list. At one point, dislike of buttery California and Australian chardonnays gave rise to the Anything But Chardonnay movement. And Bordeaux bashing was the norm among New York sommeliersnot so long ago.

Don’t Believe the Stereotypes

Scorning sweet wines continues because so many people have swallowed (no pun intended) the idea that only dry wines are worth drinking. And you might also be pleasantly surprised how much the quality of wine in some other shunned categories (wines from eastern Europe, for example) has improved.

Pinot Grigio

• The case: You think you know pinot grigio, but you’re wrong. The wine that built its success in the US, Santa Margherita, inspired a flood of cheap supermarket vino with zero character. But top producers in northern Italy, Alsace (France), Oregon, and New Zealand craft exciting wines in one of two basic styles from this highly versatile grape. Those labeled pinot grigio lean northern Italian with fresh, lively, crisp wines that have floral aromas, whereas the full-bodied and richly textured versions labeled pinot gris are found in Alsace and Oregon.

• Wines to try:
  • 2023 Marco Felluga Mongris Pinot Grigio ($24)
  • 2021 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Clos Jebsal Pinot Gris ($80)

Zinfandel

• The case: Although the grape is native to Croatia, it’s an essential part of California’s wine heritage. What put people off was a style history that includes monster reds made with overripe raisiny fruit and whopping 17% alcohol levels as well as sweet "blush" bottlings labeled white zinfandel. Some zins were always balanced and complex, though, and the recent focus on ones from historic vineyards has helped promote that style.

• Wines to try:
  • 2021 Ridge Vineyards Pagani Ranch Zinfandel ($58)
  • 2023 Turley Wine Cellars White Zinfandel ($26)

Beaujolais Nouveau

• The case: Light-bodied, flirty, and fruity, this French red from gamay grapes is bottled soon after harvest and released the third Thursday of November. Global marketing of annual "Le Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrivé" celebrations featuring low-quality examples eventually made it feel like a gimmick wine. The trend for lighter, chillable reds means it’s time to reconsider those from the best domaines.

• Wines to try:
  • 2024 Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Nouveau ($21)
  • 2024 Domaine des Marrans Beaujolais Nouveau ($21)

Moscato

• The case: Forget the sickeningly sweet, bubbly wines that fueled moscato madness a decade ago. A fragrant, charming, gently fizzy and fruity-sweet moscato d’Asti from Piedmont with a bowl of fresh strawberries will put you in a good mood, something many of us need right now. With its low alcohol (only about 5%!), it’s an ideal brunch wine. And that’s only one version of the style.

• Wines to try:
  • 2022 Saracco Moscato d’Asti ($17)
  • 2023 G.D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti ($20)

Gewürztraminer

• The case: This polarizing, flamboyant grape, native to Alsace but grown all over Europe and in the New World, invokes a love-or-hate reaction. Yes, the wines can smell and taste like perfumed soap, but the best are complex and lychee-scented with notes of clove and nutmeg. Dry or sweet, they’re surprisingly good with smoked salmon, stinky washed-rind cheeses, melon, and prosciutto, and duck curry.

• Wines to try:
  • 2023 Corison Corazón Moon Mountain Gewürztraminer ($40)
  • 2019 Trimbach Gewürztraminer ($24)

Conclusion

Don’t believe all the stereotypes. Hear me out—and try these wines. You might just discover a new favorite.

FAQs

Q: Why do people dislike certain wine categories?
A: People often judge a grape or wine type through the lens of the worst mass-market examples, and fashion plays a role.

Q: What’s the best way to approach wine categories with a bad reputation?
A: Try different wines from top producers and explore the styles and regions that interest you.

Q: Are all sweet wines bad?
A: No, not all sweet wines are bad. Some are made with high-quality grapes and techniques, and can be enjoyable.

Q: How can I improve my wine knowledge?
A: Try new wines, read about wine, and talk to wine experts.