Souvenier Gris

Souvenier Gris is a fascinating and exceptionally rare grape variety that has found its way into the portfolio of UK vineyards, offering wine enthusiasts something truly distinctive to explore. This teinturier grape, which literally means grey souvenir in French, is a mutation of Grenache Gris and produces grapes with pinkish flesh and juice, setting it apart from most other wine grapes that have clear or lightly coloured pulp.

The variety originated in the sun-drenched vineyards of southern France where it has historically been used to add colour and body to blends. However, Souvenier Gris has proven to be surprisingly adaptable to cooler climates, making it an intriguing option for pioneering English wine producers willing to experiment with unconventional varieties in our challenging maritime climate.

In the English vineyard setting, Souvenier Gris grape UK growers have discovered that the variety responds well to the cooler growing conditions found particularly in the mid and northern regions of England. The grape retains good natural acidity even in less sunny years, which is essential for producing balanced and refreshing wines. The teinturier character means that winemakers can achieve appealing pink and peach coloured wines without extended skin contact, simplifying the winemaking process while delivering visually striking results.

English Souvenier Gris wines typically display a charming aromatic profile with notes of ripe pear, white peach, and subtle hints of dried flowers. On the palate, these wines tend to be medium-bodied with a gentle creamy texture and a clean, refreshing finish that makes them versatile partners for food or delightful standalone pours. The natural pink colouration adds visual appeal that many wine drinkers find particularly attractive.

While only one UK vineyard currently cultivates this variety on a commercial scale, Souvenier Gris represents the spirit of innovation characterising modern English viticulture. Growers exploring alternatives to mainstream varieties are discovering that Souvenier Gris offers both reliability in the vineyard and uniqueness in the bottle, making it a variety well worth watching as English wine continues its remarkable expansion and evolution.