Pinot Gris is a centuries-old member of the broader Pinot family, believed to be a natural mutation of Pinot Noir. The grape migrated through Burgundy into Switzerland and northern Italy, and by the Middle Ages, it was firmly rooted in the vineyards of Alsace. The Italian Pinot Grigio boom in the late 20th century rocketed the grape to global fame, becoming a go-to white for laid-back dining and social gatherings. Today, Pinot Gris is celebrated both as a serious, ageworthy wine in Alsace and as a refreshing, every-day white in many other regions.
Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio, Grauburgunder)
Region: Europe
Pinot Gris is a versatile white grape variety known for its chameleon-like character, adapting distinctively to the soils and climates of each region where it grows. In France’s Alsace, Pinot Gris is rich and generous, with layered fruit and subtle spice; in Italy, as Pinot Grigio, it’s zingy, light, and ultra-refreshing. You’ll also find expressive styles from Oregon, Germany (as Grauburgunder), and New Zealand. Across all its forms, Pinot Gris is embraced for its approachable style, medium to full body, and crowd-pleasing personality.
Tasting Notes
Taste Profile
- Fairly Dry
- Medium Body
- Low Tannins
- Moderate Acidity
- Approximately 13%
The History of Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio, Grauburgunder)
FAQs About Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio, Grauburgunder)
Is Pinot Gris the same as Pinot Grigio?
Yes, they are the same grape, but Pinot Gris usually refers to richer styles (Alsace, Oregon), while Pinot Grigio means the lighter, crisper Italian style.
Which foods pair well with Pinot Gris?
Try it with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, light pastas, and Asian cuisine—its juicy fruit and balanced acidity handle a wide range of dishes.
Is Pinot Gris ever made as a sweet wine?
Absolutely. Alsace produces luscious late-harvest and botrytized Pinot Gris, renowned for their honeyed richness and depth.
Why does Pinot Gris vary so much in style?
Regional climate and winemaking choices play a huge role—cooler areas yield fresher, crisper wines; warmer sites and later harvests give more opulence and spice.
Can Pinot Gris wines age?
Top-quality Alsace Pinot Gris and select sweeter styles age well, developing nuanced spice, nuttiness, and honeyed complexity over time.
Meta description: Pinot Gris shines with flavors of peach, apple, and honey—expressing crisp Pinot Grigio in Italy and richer, spicier styles in Alsace and Oregon.
About Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris, a gray-skinned mutation of Pinot Noir, is a globe-trotting white grape with many faces. In Alsace, it yields textured, aromatic wines with ripe fruit and spicy complexity. Cross the Alps to Italy—where it’s known as Pinot Grigio—and you’ll find breezy, lighter-bodied bottles with mouthwatering freshness. Oregon’s Pinot Gris sits beautifully between the two, balancing richness and vivacity. No matter the region, Pinot Gris impresses with versatility at the table and a style that ranges from easygoing to contemplative.
The History of Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris’ journey began in Burgundy alongside its Pinot siblings, migrating to Switzerland, Germany, and ultimately Alsace and northern Italy in medieval times. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a staple in Alsatian vineyards and a familiar sight in the Venetian provinces. The late 20th-century Pinot Grigio craze catapulted