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Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris: What’s the Difference?

Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris: What’s the Difference?
Category:Majestic Guides


Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris: What’s the Difference?


If you’ve ever wondered about what makes Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris different, wonder no more! Explore all the differences between these two distinct styles and have a look through some of our favourite choices they have to offer.



Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris is usually grown in cool or moderate climates. It’s made in two distinct styles: either as medium-to-high acidity wines that are dry and light-bodied, produced from grapes that are harvested early, presenting flavours of pear and lemon. Or, if yields are controlled and harvesting is delayed, riper grapes will be higher in sugar and lower in acidity, with a higher complexity of flavour that’ll produce full-bodied wines with flavours of lemon, peach, and mango. These can develop notes of ginger and honey in-bottle.

The simple, light-in-body style of Pinot Grigio is often produced in Veneto, north-eastern Italy, and are labelled ‘delle Venezie DOC’ or ‘Veneto IGT’. Whereas the northern Italian region of ‘Friuli-Venezia Giulia’ produces more complex, fuller-bodied styles. Over in France, however, it is Alsace AOC that produces fuller-bodied wines that are more complex in flavour, crafted from extra-ripe grapes that are picked later in the season. You can find the best wines from grand cru vineyards.

Now, the grape is grown worldwide and in its lightest-bodied form it has achieved huge success over the past decade. Outside of Italy and France, producers usually use Pinot Grigio when referring to a higher-acid, lighter-bodied style where Pinot Gris signifies more body and complexity. In New Zealand and Australia it is also called Pinot Gris, as they produce similar styles to the Alsace wine and in Oregon, America they also produce top-quality examples of Pinot Gris in an Alsatian style.

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Pinot Grigio

If you’re a fan of a classic Italian Pinot Grigio you can't go wrong with the Ammazza Pinot Grigio, Terre di Chieti IGT. Zippy. Citrussy. Crisp. It’s a seriously refreshing glassful, full of zesty flavours. It’s refreshing with  lovely peach and white-blossom notes. Such a delicious Pinot Grigio makes for a fantastic aperitif, but it’s also great with fish, light starters and salads.

The Nals Margreid 'Stella Alpina' Pinot Grigio is another great pick. Alto Adige is in the far North of Italy, with vineyards lining either side of the valley formed by the River Adige. The reputation for quality, particularly from its aromatic white wine, is typified by this high end Pinot Grigio from one of the region's better producers. This is in a different league to entry-level Italian Pinot Grigio, balancing a rich, pure palate of peach with the crispest of finishes. This wine will marry well with fresh tomato salads and seafood dishes such as grilled sea bass or barbecued king prawns. 




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Pinot Gris

If you go for fruity, floral flavours the Steve Bird ‘The Whanau Reserve’ Pinot Gris won’t disappoint. Family relationships and sustainability are at the heart of the brand’s winemaking, as well as the preservation of strong ties with local growers. This Pinot Gris is harvested quickly, pressed gently and fermented slowly in cool temperatures to preserve its natural fruit character. Alternatively for an option with a slightly savoury note why not try the Henri Ehrhart Pinot Gris ‘Réserve Particulière’. Family business Henri Ehrhart makes the most of this diversity, crafting a range of characterful wines over a vineyard spread of 380 hectares. The Réserve Particulière is a celebration of terroir and the typical profile of one of the region’s best-loved varieties. Equal parts generous and elegant, its fruitiness is balanced with a savoury note of hazelnut.




For a fresh Pinot Gris made from 17 year old vines, try the Stopham Estate Pinot Gris. Dating back to the 11th Century, the 15-acre vineyard overlooks the iconic St. Mary The Virgin church. Their Grade II listed winery, a Victorian barn, blends tradition with modern technology, crafting crisp whites and traditional method wines with minimal intervention and an ethos for viticultural longevity. It pairs fantastically with spicy food. Finally, another perfect partner for spicy dishes is the Ernst Loosen Pinot Gris. From the famed Ernst Loosen comes this fresh wine that captures the unique character of the Mosel region. The 2023 vintage is full of ripe pear and crisp apple flavours, balanced by a lively acidity that makes it incredibly refreshing. With a clean, focused finish, this Pinot Gris is wonderfully versatile.




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Whichever you prefer, Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio, both are delicious grapes in their own right and there are so many different styles and palates to choose from. Producing everything from powerful, yet soft wines, to characterful dry whites that are incredibly easy-drinking, what’s not to love?


Grigio or Gris?


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