Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio

Pinot Gris’ diverse styles and years of being associated with neutral Italian Pinot Grigio continues to present a challenge for Pinot Gris vintners. Pinot Gris is a white variant of Pinot Noir and is primarily grown in northern Italy, southern Germany, France’s Alsace region, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Washington’s Columbia Valley and various cool climate regions within California. Pinot Gris can range from crisp and light to rich and full-bodied. In northern Italy, Pinot Grigio is typically crisp with limited fruit flavors. In Alsace, Pinot Gris (referred to as Tokay) displays rich, powerful wines known for their honey and floral aromatics. Pinot Gris produced in the U.S. spans the entire stylistic range, making it important to read the label or do a little research before making a selection.