Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio
One gray-skinned grape, two styles: crisp, light Italian-style Pinot Grigio or richer, spicier Alsace-style Pinot Gris. It's Oregon's signature white and a Michigan favorite.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape, a gray-pink mutation of Pinot Noir. The name on the label usually tells you the style. Pinot Grigio, the Italian name, signals a light, crisp, refreshing white. Pinot Gris, the French name, signals a richer, rounder, more aromatic wine in the style of Alsace.
What It Tastes Like
Pinot Grigio is light-bodied and zesty, with lemon, green apple, pear and a mineral finish. Pinot Gris is fuller, with ripe pear, peach, honey, almond and a touch of spice, and is sometimes off-dry. A few winemakers leave the juice on the pinkish skins to make copper-colored ramato wines.
Where It Grows
Oregon's Willamette Valley made Pinot Gris its signature white. Michigan, especially the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula, grows a lot of it in both styles. California, Washington, New York's Finger Lakes, Idaho and Virginia make good examples too.
What to Look For
- Oregon Pinot Gris, a benchmark for the fuller style.
- Crisp Pinot Grigio for warm afternoons.
- Ramato or skin-contact versions from adventurous producers.
Where to Find Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio is grown or poured: