2009 Firesteed Cellars Oregon Pinot Gris

It seems as if we all adopt certain phraseology as a means of maintaining an air of exclusivity. Some of my favorites come from my venture capital buddies who have elevated this to an art form as they manage the burn rate (lose money) on a Newco (start up company) in hopes that it doesn't become a zombie (fail to achieve satisfactory growth rate) before an exit strategy (finding a greater fool to buy it) can be deployed!

Wineries employ similar terms like brix, vinification and malolactic fermentation in the wine making process to make it seem like there is much more magic involved than is probably the case. Even varietal (grape) names add confusion like in this week's pick: 2009 Firesteed Oregon Pinot Gris. Both Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape, the former being the Italian name and the latter being the one adopted by France and the US. The difference to a lesser degree is the terroir (soil) and to a greater degree in the winemaker's magic referenced above. The Oregon varieties tend to be a little more robust than their Italian counterparts and exhibit more exotic floral and fruit flavors. Where lemon is the predominant characteristic in the Italian versions, you should notice honeysuckle, cantaloupe and lychee with a touch of minerality.