Ella Scott
Sun-kissed drinking sessions are right around the corner, which means you’ll need something new, chic, and oh-so-fun to sip on, right?
For many of us, it’ll be a cheeky Aperol or a refreshing Hugo Spritz during lazy, long afternoons.
Others who are likely to move in for a crisp cider may be disappointed, as pints of the good stuff have apparently increased by double the rate of inflation.
Then, of course, there are the strict wine drinkers, who may stick to juicy glasses of natural orange or select a syrupy post-dinner dessert wine if they really want.
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However, there’s a new kid on the block that is rising in popularity - and we think you’re going to be obsessed with it this summer.
Just remember to drink responsibly, okay?
If you’ve ever been on holiday to the South of France or travelled to Morocco, then you’ve probably already seen beautifully intriguing bottles of something called ‘vin gris’ on the menu.
This alcoholic drink is made from red grapes but is so pale and pink that it almost teeters on the side of grey, which is where the ‘grey wine’ translation comes from.
According to experts at Vinepair, this hybrid beverage’s roots are in darker-skinned grapes, such as Pinot Noir, Gamay and Grenache.
However, in Morocco, vintners are more likely to use Cinsault and Carignan, as per The Valfers.
The fruits are poured into a stainless steel vat, as apparently their ‘hyper-delicate qualities could easily be overwhelmed by contact with oak’.
However, unlike the typical red wine fermenting process, these grey wines have almost zero maceration time.
In case you are not familiar, maceration time relates to how much time the grape juice has in contact with the grape skins.
More contact correlates to a deeper, more robust flavour profile, while a lot less can result in an almost-transparent vin gris.
“In a vin gris, the grapes are pressed, but the juice is not left for any significant contact time with the darker grape skins, which results in the extraction of a mostly clear juice,” Vinepair said in 2016.
According to The Valfers, grey wine is best enjoyed chilled and with a variety of dishes, including seafood, salads, and light appetisers.
“Its delicate, refreshing taste makes it a perfect choice for warm weather and casual gatherings,” the drink experts added.
If you’ve purchased a bottle of grey wine to enjoy at home, and are about to chuck away the dregs, then stop what you are doing immediately.
According to Brian Street, Executive Chef at Cakebread Cellars, your unwanted wine could be the secret ingredient that unlocks new heights in the kitchen.
"Cooking with wine is a great way to bring brightness and acidity to a dish," the culinary wizard explained to The Take Out.
“And honestly, it's one of the best uses for a bottle you didn't quite finish. If the wine still has some life to it, it can do wonders in the kitchen.”
If the bottle is on the ‘older side’ then Stret recommends using it in a braise.
“They are a little more forgiving — something that's going to simmer for a few hours can handle a wine that's a bit past its prime better than a quick pan sauce, which really requires that signature freshness for a lift.”