Grapes · White grape
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Two names, two styles. Italian Pinot Grigio is light, crisp and neutral; Alsace Pinot Gris is rich, spicy and sometimes off-dry. Skins are pinkish-grey.
Also known as: Grauburgunder / Ruländer (Germany)
On the nose
Young wines (primary aromas)
- lemon
- green apple
- pear
- white peach
- almond
- honeysuckle
Oak & winemaking (secondary)
- rarely oaked
With bottle age (tertiary)
- honey
- ginger
- smoke
On the palate
Pinot Grigio: dry, light body, medium acidity, crisp. Pinot Gris: medium to full body, oily texture, spicy, sometimes off-dry.
Tasting tip
Pear and a touch of almond with a hint of spice on a rich palate point to Pinot Gris.
Often confused with
Chardonnay (unoaked), Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer (much more aromatic).
Where it grows
- Italy — Friuli, Alto Adige, Veneto
- France — Alsace
- Germany — Baden, Pfalz
- USA — Oregon
- New Zealand — various