
Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio
Learn about Pinot Grigio — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Showing a unique rosy, purplish hue upon full ripeness, this “white” variety is actually born out of a mutation of Pinot Noir. The grape boasts two versions of its name, as well as two generally distinct styles. In Italy, Pinot Grigio achieves most success in the mountainous regions of Trentino and Alto Adige as well as in the neighboring Friuli—all in Italy’s northeast. France's Alsace and Oregon's Willamette Valley produce some of the world's most well-regarded Pinot Gris wine. California produces both styles with success.
Tasting Notes for Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a dry, white wine naturally low in acidity. Pinot Grigio wines showcase signature flavors and aromas of stone fruit, citrus, honeysuckle, pear and almond. Alsatian styles are aromatic (think rose and honey), richly textured and sometimes relatively higher in alcohol compared to their Italian counterpart. As Pinot Grigio in Italy, the style is often light and charming.
Perfect Food Pairings for Pinot Grigio
The viscosity of a typical Alsatian Pinot Gris allows it to fit in harmoniously with the region's rich foods like pork, charcuterie and foie gras. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, with its citrusy freshness, works well as an aperitif wine or with seafood and subtle chicken dishes.
Sommelier Secrets for Pinot Grigio
Given the pinkish color of its berries and aromatic potential if cared for to fully ripen, the Pinot Grigio variety is actually one that is commonly used to make "orange wines." An orange wine is a white wine made in the red wine method, i.e. with fermentation on its skins. This process leads to a wine with more ephemeral aromas, complexity on the palate and a pleasant, light orange hue.
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Cedar + Salmon Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2018Pinot Gris/Grigio from Willamette Valley, Oregon
- WW
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Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2018Pinot Gris/Grigio from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- JS
- RP
- WE
- W&S
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Elena Walch Vigna Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio 2018Pinot Gris/Grigio from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- WE
- WS
- D
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Paul Blanck Et Fils Pinot Gris Classique 2018Pinot Gris/Grigio from Alsace, France
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Ostertag Les Jardins Pinot Gris 2018Pinot Gris/Grigio from Alsace, France
- WE
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Elk Cove Pinot Gris 2018Pinot Gris/Grigio from Willamette Valley, Oregon
- WE
- RP
- WW