Nov 2010
Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris
November, 2010 Filed in: Wine varieties
You say tomayyto, I say tomahhto: Is this the case with Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. Yes and no. They are the same grape, one coming from France (Gris) and the other Italy (Grigio); however the styles are an interesting contrast. Pinot Grigio is naturally, lighter, lemony, easy drinking and invariably dry. While Pinot Gris is spicy, weightier, generally more complex and varies from dry to markedly sweet.
The Pinot Grigio grape is a natural mutation of the red Pinot Noir grape, and it can sometimes resemble Sauvignon Blanc, without the grassy and herbal notes. Pinot Grigios are usually not aged in oak as this would overpower the wine and takes away from its simplicity.