What’s the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio? The truth: Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same varietal. However, the names tend to represent stylistic differences, particularly if it is grown in specific regions. In this article, we’ll delve into both similarities and differences between the two styles.
Similarities: Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio
- Flavors: Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio span a wide spectrum of fruit aromatics. These can range from tart (green apple, green pear, and citrus) to ripe (stone fruit, juicy yellow pear, and tropical fruit). There can also be underlying aromatics of blossoms and white flowers.
- Winemaking: Some winemakers will choose to age their Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio in neutral oak barrels, after an initial stainless steel fermentation. Other winemakers will not use any oak barrel aging. Oak aging will create a softer wine, whereas steel-only fermentation will yield a more crisp, clean profile.
- Color: Since Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape, both wines tend to be pale straw in color.
Differences: Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris is produced primarily in France’s Alsace region, as well as in the United States. Often, it is harvested when the grapes are riper, leading to a fuller, rounder body that is slightly less dry than Pinot Grigio. It typically offers delicate, riper aromatics that often have a more honeyed or nutty quality, with bright acidity and a soft profile.
Differences: Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio hails from Italy, with some of its most brilliant examples hailing from the higher-altitude Alto Adige region. It is also produced commercially, in larger quantities, in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezie Giulia regions. It is also produced in the United States. Often, Pinot Grigio is harvested earlier, leading to a wine with slightly higher acidity and a drier, leaner profile. It typically offers fresh, vibrant aromatics veering more towards the lemon and citrus side of the spectrum.
In short, Pinot Grigio is more dry, crisp, and acidic than Pinot Gris, which tends to have slightly more sweetness and is softer on the palate. Consider Pinot Gris with your roast chicken or pork, and Pinot Grigio alongside fish, oysters, and salads. Both pair excellently with a wide range of hard and semi-soft cheeses.