You probably already know Pinot Gris & Pinot Grigio is the exact wine.
This grayish-purple grape is a variation of Pinot Noir. Pinot Gris has a refreshing citrus taste and zesty acidity. Please learn more about Pinot Gris, its taste, and food pairing suggestions.
Pinot Gris Wine Guide
Does there exist a technical difference between Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris? Not at all. They are both the same.
In this article, we use the terms’ Pinot Gris and ‘Pinot Grigio interchangeably, as the grape has cultural significance in Italy and France.
Pinot Grigio Wine Tasting
The flavors of lime, lemon, and pear characterize Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio may have faint honeyed aromas, floral notes like honeysuckle, and a saline minerality, depending on the region where the grapes were grown.
Pinot Grigio does not have a flavor as unique as Moscato and Riesling, but you will get a twinkle in your mouth from the acidity. It’s like licking a piece of wax paper.
- Italian Pinot Grigio is Normally totally dry, with brilliant acidity and a bitter almond taste
- French Pinot Gris More fleshy, more buttery, and with a faint honey note from
- American Pinot Grigio is Often more fruity and less acidic than its European counterparts
What is the difference between a dry and sweet Pinot Grigio?
- It’s Dry: Pinot Grigio is often less sweet than Chardonnay due to its high acidity.
- Exceptions: Pinot Grigio can be sweet in two cases. The supermarket Pinot Grigio is a cheap wine designed to attract mid-week drinkers. Second (and much more rare) is the slightly sweet Pinot Gris of Alsace.
- Alsace Pinot Gris must be produced with 100% Pinot Gris grapes. They taste very complex. Spice notes such as cinnamon, honey, and clove are present, along with Meyer lemon, ginger, and Meyer lemon. The wine has a long tingly finish. Vendages Tardives is a sweeter dessert wine that comes from the late harvest.
- Explore the most popular white wines in the world. You can also read the articles about Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Food Pairings with Pinot Gris
- Enjoy the fresh. Pinot Gris’ zesty acidity goes well with raw fish, vegetables, and lighter meals. Pinot Gris is a classic partner for shellfish and fish.
- Are you looking for some inspiration? You can also try ceviche, light, flaky tilapia in cream sauce, or sushi. Pinot Gris, especially from Australia and the US, can be paired with more decadent dishes like cream because they have a higher alcohol content.
- Avoid going too spicy if you don’t have a bottle of Alsace Pinot Gris nearby.
Meat Pairings
- Fish include Tilapia (scallops), Sea Bass, Perch or Sole, Haddock Trout, Cod Cod, Redfish, Halibut, Snapper, Mussels, Clams, Oysters—white meats such as chicken and turkey. Pork and duck cured/spiced.
Spices and Herbs
- Parsley, Mint Tarragon, Thyme, Fennel Chives, and Spices such as White Pepper, Coriander, Fennel Turmeric, Saffron Ginger, Clove Allspice
Cheese Pairings
- Choose semi-firm to firm sheep and cow’s milk products. Gruyere, Muenster, Grana Padano
Vegetables & Vegetarian Fare
- Salads and vegetables are best—also, braised greens with many spices. Use shallots, garlic, and ginger to create a base flavor. Cucumbers, yellow squashes, celery onions, jicama kale, green apples, green melons, white beans, cauliflower broccoli