Pinot Gris: Fifty Shades of Grey Pinot
Not many white grape varieties are quite like Pinot Gris. For starters, you probably don't know why it's called Pinot Gris, or the “gray Pinot.” Technically, it's not a “white” grape variety but a pink-skinned one. It's a mutation of our beloved Pinot Noir from the same Pinot family.
You might be wondering if there's any difference between Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio. Genetically identical as they are, the answer is not as straightforward as it should be, simply because the versatility of the grape yields in a variety of styles, makes up the 50 shades of the gray of Pinot Gris, from the crisp, light-bodied sunday brunch Pinot Grigio to rounder, more complex Alsace Pinot Gris; from a sweet late harvest to a structured skin contact style.
Pinot Grigio: The Light and Crisp
A global darling that has the hearts of predominantly female consumers, Pinot Grigio doesn't just refer to the grape, but a specific style of wine. Originating in Northern Italy and popularized in the U.S. and many other New World wine regions, Pinot Grigio represents the refreshing, easy-drinking side of the grape.
High in acidity and light in body, the wine features zesty citrus notes, white flowers, and green orchard fruit. It's the type of wine to be enjoyed on its own, as an aperitif, or paired with light fare like salads or raw seafood. No explanation needed, just one sip after another to quench your thirst.
To truly understand this style, try Pinot Grigio from Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, where the cool air from the Italian Alps and the lakes impart a freshness. Or, if you want an even fruitier, modern version, go for a Californian or Australian Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Gris: The Elegant and Round
Less frivolous than Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris shows a classier alternative of the grape. Representing the other major style of the vareity, Pinot Gris wines are weightier, rounder, and more complex.
As one of the four “noble grapes” in the region, Alsace is home to the more serious style of Pinot Gris. The abundant sunshine and incredibly diverse soils give it a unique and structured character. In contrast to the youthful, fruit-forward style of most Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris is often aged on lees, if not, aged in oak. Featuring a flavor profile of ripe citrus and stone fruits, hints of tropical fruits like pineapple, and notes of smoke, honey, or wet wool, this medium-bodied, mildly acidic Pinot Gris is a true gourmet champion—great with dishes from traditional Alsatian meat stews to spicy Asian stir-fries.
For a New World twist, check out Oregon's Willamette Valley. Already proven as a premium wine region for Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley's take on Pinot Gris is nothing like the country's ubiquitous entry-level Pinot Grigio. It reveals citrus and melon notes, with a slightly oily mouthfeel lifted by vibrant acidity. If you find California Pinot Grigio too simple, these Willamette Valley Pinot Gris will certainly win you over!
In other wine regions of the world, the choice between “Pinot Gris” and “Pinot Grigio” usually indicates the style: generally, Pinot Gris refers to the elegant, more complex French-like style, while Pinot Grigio is synonymous with a highly drinkable, summer, poolside white wine.
Grauburgunder and More
In Germany and Central European countries like Hungary and the Czech Republic, Pinot Gris bears different names. The German name Grauburgunder literally means “Gray Burgundy.” Styles vary, but with the cool continental climate, Pinot Gris from these regions tends to be more restrained than Alsatian ones. Nonetheless, they're also extremely food-friendly. Don't hesitate to try some Pinot Gris from lesser-known regions when you find them!
Pinot Gris Goes Sweet
Is Pinot Gris sweet? The majority of Pinot Gris wines on the market are dry. However, the grape has a great potential for producing world-class late harvest sweet wines. In Alsace, Pinot Gris comes in different sweetness levels, from the off-dry with just a bit more residual sugar to the semi-sweet late harvest wines, and goes up and beyond to the luscious, nectar-like dessert wine called Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN). While these are not typically wines we enjoy everyday, it's an amazing experience to have a glass after a multi-course meal.
Pinot Gris Goes Orange
With the rising popularity of orange wine—a style of white wine in which the grape skins are soaked with the juice, adding flavor and tannin structure — skin-contact Pinot Gris is on the rise. This style has a long history in Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region, where it is called Ramato, and now it is also produced in its French home, Alsace, as well as many other emerging wine regions.
Ranging in color from copper to deep pink, depending on the time of the skin contact, Pinot Gris orange wine offers a distinctive profile: vibrant like a white, powerful like a red. Think dried fruits like apricot and bruised apple, ample on the palate yet balanced by juicy acidity and a tannic backbone. Macerated Pinot Gris is sure to please adventurous palates looking for a wine with personality.
Which shade of Pinot Gris is your favorite now? The light and fun Pinot Grigio, the classy and elegant Pinot Gris, or the wild and unique orange Pinot Gris? Explore the 50 shades of Pinot Gris and find your shade with VinoVoss today!
Sylvia Ba
