Pinot Gris is a French grape with quite the dual personality.

In one personality, it is a hugely popular crisp white wine. In another, in its home country, it is a richer more complex wine. Both are loved by wine lovers around the world and consequently, it is now grown in most major wine countries.

The grape originated in Burgundy and historically has been grown beside Pinot Noir and has often formed part of the famous red wines of that region. There it adds soft fruit and if needed, an additional acid freshness. However, it is Alsace where the grape was first embraced as a white wine. It is here that rich, often dry, wines are created that work incredibly well with the region’s food.   Food that shows its Germanic roots. Hence, it is no surprise that Pinot Gris is also grown in Germany as Grauburgunder.

The Domaines Schlumberger ‘Les Princes Abbes’ Pinot Gris is an outstanding example of a typical Alsace Pinot Gris with a slightly off-dry white wine.  The Kim Crawford Pinot Gris is an example of a drier style of Pinot Gris 

More recently though, it is the Italian version that has captured the attention of many white wine drinkers. If you love Italian white wines, you may know this grape as Pinot Grigio.  Such as the bright and zesty, Sartori Pinot Grigio della Venezie. 

Unsurprisingly, ‘Gris’ and ‘Grigio’ both refer to grapes deep colour which can be ‘grey’. When fully ripe, it will range from greyish colour to more of a brown pink. Of course, language is not the only different. There is also a style difference.

Pinot Gris is usually made with fully ripe grapes.  Some Italian food requires a fresher acid profile and lighter body and flavours. Therefore, Pinot Grigio is picked earlier when the acid level is higher and the flavours are less developed.

It is a great alternative for wine such as sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, verdelho and viognier.

What does it taste like … 

Pinot Gris, such as the Kim Crawford Pinot Gris,  has deeper flavours of honeyed nuts, peach, pear and ginger. It can also come in dessert wine levels of sweetness as a late harvest wine or a botrytis dessert wine. These wines are fuller in body and can have higher alcohol levels which will make the wine seem more fragrant and richer in the mouth.

Pinot Grigio, such as the one from Sartori from Venezie, Northern Italy, takes on a citrus lime and lemon profile, often with a fresh apple character. These wines tend to be lighter in body and are notoriously higher in acid.

Both versions may also have a floral note. And both versions can also be made into a delicious sparkling version.

Something you didn’t know!

Pinot Gris is a mutation of Pinot Noir and is also related to Pinot Blanc, another French white wine grape.

What to pair this white wine with….

In either style, you will find wines made from Pinot Gris grapes are very adaptable to a wide range of food.

As a Pinot Grigio, this grape will pair nicely particularly well with a pasta tossed through with a light chilli oil and vegetables and if you wanted, some lightly grilled chicken or scallops. This is also great for a fresh feta or chevre salad.

Pinot Gris wines will match with dressed raw fish through to quiche either vegetables or a classic Lorraine. There is also a good match for creamy dishes.

As a dessert style, it is a good match to honey or fruity desserts.

Serve Pinot Grigio well chilled between 4 – 6 C and Pinot Gris slightly less chilled 6-10 C. 

Are you serving your white wines too cold? For more information about how to serve your white wines, please read “Hot Tip: What is the best temperature for serving white wine”

Wines to try….