What is Pinot Gris?
Famous for its crisp white wines, Pinot Gris is the result of a genetic mutation of the red grape Pinot Noir and got its name from its greyish-pink skin.
Although the grape was born in the Burgundy region in France, it is now mainly found in Alsace and other regions all over the world under various names, including Pinot Grigio in Italy or Grauburgunder in Germany.
What does Pinot Gris taste like?
Pinot Gris comes in a wide range of styles depending on the ripeness of the fruit and the winemaking choices. This means you can find zesty and refreshing examples but also rich and full-bodied ones, from dry to sweet options, and it can even be used to produce rosé or orange wines!
Typical aromas found in Pinot Grigio are pear, apple and white peach but can then vary greatly based on the style of wine. The lighter, crisp and high-acidity styles would have more green apple and lemon zest, and even some minerality, while full-bodied or sweet options would present more exotic notes like melon, as well as spice undertones and hints of honey.
What food goes with Pinot Gris?
Since Pinot Gris comes in various styles, food pairing can be quite versatile and complement a wide range of dishes.
Light-bodied
Crisp and refreshing examples of Pinot Grigio go perfectly with seafood like oysters or shrimp, grilled fish, salads, roasted vegetables and soft, mild cheeses.
Full-bodied
Richer versions would be best with poultry like roast chicken or white meat such as pork.
Off-dry or Sweet
Sweet Pinot Gris are ideal on their own or with fruity desserts such as this Lemon-Blueberry Cake or this Peach-Blueberry Cobbler.
Off-dry examples can be amazing with dishes with a bit of spice, especially Indian and Thai food – try it with Chicken Tikka Masala or Thai Green Curry.
Rosé
Like most pale rosés, Pinot Gris is great on its own as an aperitif but can complement nibbles, salads, creamy pasta or charcuterie.
Where do you find Pinot Gris?
Pinot Gris thrives in a variety of wine regions, climates and terroirs around the world with key regions being Alsace in France, Italy, Germany and Oregon, USA.
Alsace, France
Alsace, France
Alsace’s warm days and cool nights contribute to optimal ripening and flavour development, making it renowned for rich and full-bodied Pinot Gris wines. You can expect ripe apple and pear and tropical fruit aromas along with a hint of minerality. Slight notes of smoke and spice can also come through with a bit of age to the wine.
Alsace produces exceptional sweet wines thanks to amazing climate conditions – late-harvest aka Vendanges Tardives, and Sélection de Grains Nobles, from grapes affected by Noble Rot. These wines offer an amazing balance between sweetness and freshness, with delicious flavours of honey, jammy fruits and sweet spices.
Italy
Pinot Gris is widely cultivated in Italy, particularly in the northern regions, and is known as Pinot Grigio, producing super refreshing, crisp and light, with notes of citrus and green apple.
Although a few examples are producing different types of Pinot Grigio such as the Alto Adige or the Friuli regions.
Alto Adige
Pinot Grigios from Alto Adige, in the north of Italy, produces rich styles with ripe stone fruit flavours, floral and spicy notes, and high acidity. Some examples can also be aged in barrels and display sweet spices and smoke aromas and can even be kept for several years before drinking.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
In the northwest of the country, Friuli makes unique skin contact Pinot Grigio known as ‘Ramato’, showcasing a fuller body with ripe peach and apricot flavours, lovely floral notes and hints of spice.
Alto Adige, Italy
Germany
Pinot Gris, locally known as Grauburgunder in Germany, produces rich and full-bodied wines with high acidity, displaying aromas of ripe pears and apples with hints of honey and a touch of minerality. You can find styles ranging from dry to sweet as well as oak-aged versions that are very similar to Chardonnay.
Pfalz
The Pfalz region has a warm climate and rich terroir, giving ripe Grauburgunder with high acidity, some minerality, and concentrated flavours of ripe peach and notes of honey.
Baden
The Baden region is Germany’s warmest wine region so full-bodied wines are to be expected with ripe stone and tropical fruit as well as some nuttiness and sweet spices.
Oregon, USA
Oregon’s cooler climate offers a great terroir to grow expressive and fruity Pinot Gris. Mainly grown in the Willamette Valley, expect medium to full-bodied wines, very citrusy with ripe apple and pear.
