Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are both made from the same type of grape. However, there are a few differences between the two that make them taste different from each other.
If you’re wondering what the differences between these two wines are, keep reading. In this article, we’ll cover what Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are, how to tell them apart, and what to eat with each wine.
What Are Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris Wines?
Both of these Pinots are produced from white grapes with grayish skin, as Gris means gray in French. Gris came from Alsace in France, but over the Italian border, the grape is known as pinot grigio.
The grape may have come from France, but the Italians made this grape popular with wine connoisseurs all over Italy. Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris do come from the same grape, but they do taste differently.
Pinot Grigio from Italy usually tastes lighter and fresher. It gives off a fruity and slightly spicy fragrance. Pinot Gris from Alsace is full-bodied with a stronger finish. It also ages better than pinot grigio and does well when kept in a wine cellar.
Related: How many calories are there in Pinot Grigio?
Global Development
These white grapes-started their journey in Italy and France, but now, they are planted all over the world. Many wine producers consider these grapes as important ingredients, which has made them even more popular.
However, these wine regions tend to produce pinot grigio more, which has made the wine readily available in other countries. Pinot Grigio started to be mass-produced as it became popular in the US.
This led to some less expensive bottles tasting less full. They did have fruity flavors, but they lacked depth and substance.
Other than Alsace, there aren’t many areas that produce Pinot Gris. It is made in some countries, but Alsace Pinot Gris is particularly special, as it is only made with Pinot Gris grapes.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio Characteristics
Both Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio give off similar fruity fragrances and tastes. You’ll notice aromas like orange peel and pears. They are both higher in acidity and are less sweet than other white wines.
Pinot Grigio can taste different depending on where it’s made. Italian Pinot Grigio is dry, acidic, with an almond aftertaste. American Pinot Grigio is less acidic and tastes fruitier than European varieties.
French Pinot Gris has delicate honey notes with a lot of substance, and can also feel heavy on the tongue. It can give off flavors such as lime, lemon, and peach. Pinot Gris can also emit fragrances like clove, ginger, and honeysuckle.
What Do You Eat With Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio?
Thanks to its refreshing and crisp finish, Pinot Grigio goes well with fresh fish and vegetables. Try pairing a lighter bottle with shellfish or a smaller meal.
Medium-bodied bottles go well with white meat, like grilled fish or roast chicken. Pinot Grigio also tastes great alongside fruits, such as apples or pears.
Pinot Gris made in the US and Australia is higher in alcohol and has more body, which pairs well with heartier dishes. These bottles do well with dishes containing cream or butter.
Pinot Gris also goes well with strong spices, like fennel, clove, and ginger. Try pairing a full-bodied bottle with rich meats, such as lamb, veal, or foie gras.
Where To Buy These Wines
You can get a variety of wine types delivered to you by signing up to a wine club. Some of these clubs have benefits when signing up.
These include delivering notes on different tastes and recipes that go well with the wine you choose. You’ll be able to buy high-quality bottles of Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio while learning more about different types of wine.
Other than wine clubs, many stores stock white wine bottles that you can try out. If you’re finding it hard to get your hands on a Pinot Gris bottle, try looking for specialty stores around you or online.
In Summary
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are made from the same grape but tend to have different tastes. Pinot Grigio is fresh and fruity, while Pinot Gris is fuller-bodied and ages well.
Pinot Grigio pairs well with lighter dishes, like fish and salads. Pinot Gris goes well with richer dishes, like foie gras or creamy sauces.
If you want to try out these bottles for yourself, try finding them at a specialty wine store. If you’re particularly interested in wine, you can also sign up to a wine club that can help you learn more about wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio sweeter?
Pinot Grigio is highly acidic, so it can taste less sweet compared to other white wines. Pinot Gris is full of flavor, so some bottles can be sweet.
However, whether a wine is sweet or not depends on how the wine is produced. If you’re trying a wine for the first time, it can be difficult to know exactly what flavors are in each bottle.
The flavors and sweetness depend on who is making the wine and where it has been made.
- Shrimp Cocktail (and More) Wine Pairing Guide - 09/06/2022
- What Wine Serving Sizes Look Like: Standard Size and More - 08/06/2022
- How Much Sugar is in Wine: Glass and Bottle Sugar Content - 08/06/2022