What makes Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio so different? Well, it has mostly to do with the way they are grown, harvested and with the opted style in winemaking. In Italy specifically the Veneto region, Pinot Grigio will be harvested earlier then in France, so, there will be a higher acidity level present. The Italian Pinot Grigio’s are much lighter in body, alcohol, drier and crisper, with simple flavour profile mostly. This is something different when we are talking about Pinot Grigio from the Italian region of Friuli and specifically Collio. These are a whole other level of Pinot Grigio, way more sophisticated, complex, depth, more mouthfeel.

Pinot Gris from France, mainly Alsace, there are the wines much richer, full-bodied, expressive, oily mouthfeel, maybe some residual sugar and/or barrel fermented or oak aged for an extensive period. This style is also quite terroir specific being the result of a relatively cool climate and its volcanic soils.

It's Origin

Pinot Grigio has been known to Burgundy since the Middle Ages, back then it was probably called “Fromenteau”. 

Family Ties

Pinot Gris is a pinkish colour mutation of Pinot Noir, just like Pinot Blanc is.

Picture: Getty Images

Climate and Soils

Pinot Gris does well in harsher colder climates. Continental and Maritime climate. Nevertheless, it is seen in a wide range of climates, and is very well adaptable. It grows best in rather deep, well-drained calcareous soils.

• Italy (43%)
• USA (30%)
• New Zealand (7%)
• Australia (6%)
• France (6%)
• Germany (4%)
• Other, i.e. Hungary, Switzerland, Canada (3%)
• Chile (1%)

Vine Manual: How does Pinot Gris Like to Be Grown

In the vineyard, Pinot Grigio faces susceptibility to a range of diseases. Its small and compact bunches provide an ideal environment for botrytis and other bunch rot diseases to thrive. In Italy, the Malattia del Pinot Grigio ("Pinot Grigio disease") leads to leaf deformation and reduced yields, with the virus spreading to other countries as well.

Given the grapes' naturally low acidity, the timing of harvesting is becoming more crucial, especially during hot vintages. Opting for an earlier harvest during the ripening phase can elevate acidity levels, albeit potentially compromising sugar and flavour compound accumulation. Vignerons must carefully weigh their decisions in this regard.

Moreover, the harvest date significantly influences the wine's colour. As Pinot Grigio ripens, it may exhibit a pinkish hue, though the actual colours range from blue grey to pinkish brown. It's not unusual for a single vine to display various hues. Wines crafted from riper grapes tend to showcase a richer golden coloration.

• Early Budding
• Early Ripening
• Moderate Yields
• Vigorous Variety
• Prone to spring frost
• Susceptible to botrytis & Downy Mildew

It’s all in the Name Baby.

Pinot Beurot (Burgundy), Malvoisie (Loire), Grauburgunder or Ruländer (Baden), Pinot Grigio, Auxerrois Gris, Fromenteau Gris, Auvernat Gris, Szürkebarát. In Hungary Szürkebarát means “gray-friendly”. 

Tickle Your Taste Buds: With Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio

Seen Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio are two different styles of wine, let me share them both with you. 

Taste Profile of Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris can have a deep golden colour, due to its colour pigmentation, even show a slight ‘blush’. It often has medium plus acidity, med-high alcohol, medium plus body and medium plus to pronounced aroma intensity.

Showing flavours of peach, apple, blossom, pear, grapefruit, almonds. It has a rich oily texture and a good capacity to age, with age they show notes of honey, smoke.

Taste Profile of Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio mostly has a medium yellowish colour, or depending on the style presented a slight ‘pinkish blush’. It often has medium plus acidity, medium alcohol, medium body and medium to medium plus aroma intensity. Showing flavours of peach, apple, blossom, pear, grapefruit.

Did you Know?

• Likes to be blended with Sémillon, but mostly you will find it bottled on its own.
• That Pinot Gris can come in various wine styles, from bone dry, to lusciously sweet with botrytized or late harvested grapes. Even Sparkling wines are made with Pinot Gris.

History Fact

It spread from Burgundy, arriving in Switzerland by 1300. This variety was reportedly a favourite of Emperor Charles IV, who had cuttings exported by Cistercian Monks all the way to Hungary, They planted the vines on the slopes of Badcsony, bordering Lake Balaton in 1375.

Which style do you prefer more Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio - which one would you pick?

Resources

Jancis Robinson, “Pinot Grigio” – Accessed at February 26, 2024

Wine Searcher, “Pinot Gris” - Accessed at February 29, 2024

Vin de France, “Grape Varieties of France: Pinot Gris” - Accessed at February 26, 2024

Austrian Wine, “Pinot Gris” - Accessed at February 29, 2024