Pinot Grigio

Known for its light, crisp, refreshing style, Pinot Grigio is a favourite of many white wine drinkers worldwide. It might then surprise you to discover that this classic white wine started life as a red. Yes, Pinot Grigio is actually a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape – sounds terrifying, right?

It also has another home and name… in France, it’s known as Pinot Gris – meaning ‘grey’. Although the same grape is used in both countries, they produce remarkably different wines. Italian Pinot Grigio is crisp and refreshing, with zesty citrus flavours. By contrast, France’s Pinot Gris has a higher alcohol content, resulting in a riper, fuller wine with spicy flavours and hints of tropical and stone fruits.

Discover more about Pinot Grigio in our beginner's guide

Pinot Grigio is grown throughout Italy but thrives in the country’s northeast. The Italian wine regions famous for this grape are Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lombardy.

It can also be found in the western Alsace region of France, where it’s known as Pinot Gris. These wines have a different style, ranging from light and zesty to rich and spicy.

The grapes can also be found growing in Germany, Hungary and Austria, as well as the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Pinot Grigio typically has a light-medium body, with medium to high acidity and alcohol content – between 12.5% and 13.5% ABV. However, the style of a Pinot Grigio can vary dramatically depending on the region and winemaking techniques. 

Italian Pinot Grigio is typically light-bodied, crisp and fresh, with flavours of green apple, citrus fruits, and pear. Some Italian producers also make a slightly richer style, often featuring floral and honey notes.

If you prefer something more full-bodied, a French Pinot Gris, with its unique texture, hint of sweetness and higher alcohol content, is the perfect choice.

Yes, Pinot Grigio is typically categorised as a dry white wine, meaning it has minimal residual sugar and therefore isn’t sweet. This wine is known for its crisp, refreshing quality, high acidity and flavours of green apple, pear, and citrus.

However, the taste can vary based on where the grapes are grown, and in some cases, such as Alsace Pinot Gris, the wine can be off-dry or even sweet.

The taste of Pinot Grigio can range from light and zesty to rich and full, depending on the region and style. Pinot Grigio is typically unoaked, which helps to maintain its bright, fresh character. Early-ripening Pinot Grigio grapes create light and bright white wines that are overflowing with fruit flavours, including:

• Lime
• Lemon
• Grapefruit
• Green apple
• White peach

If the grapes are left to ripen longer, more luscious, juicy fruit flavours can appear, such as pear, apricot and white nectarine. Depending on where the grapes are grown, Pinot Grigio wines may also have other floral, sweeter hints, including:

• Ginger
• Honey
• Almond
• Jasmine
• Orange blossom

Finding the right Pinot Grigio begins by looking at the wine’s origin.

Northern Italian varieties are light, dry and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for a hot summer day. But if you like your white wines fuller, a rich Pinot Gris from Alsace in France is a must-try. You can also find similar wines from warm US regions or New Zealand.

Pinot Grigio wines are rarely aged and are designed to be drunk when ‘young’ – within 1-3 years of release. However, some Alsace Pinot Gris wines have excellent ageing potential, with Premier Cru and Grand Cru bottles having the longest drinking windows.

Pinot Grigio's high acidity and bright flavours make it a versatile wine for food pairing. Its light, refreshing style goes well with light dishes, particularly those featuring seafood or fresh vegetables.

It also suits turkey or chicken, as well as sushi, light pasta dishes and risottos… and of course, a Caprese salad.

Pinot Grigio is often served in Italy with green pesto dishes, following the ‘what grows together goes together’ rule. If you’re after a cheese and wine pairing, you’re in luck with Pinot Grigio. It’s a must with a sweet, nutty Gruyere, semi-soft Muenster and fresh Mozzarella.

Discover more food and wine pairing tips. 

Whichever style you select, Pinot Grigio should be served chilled. Allow the bottle to chill for at least an hour, then let it sit briefly before pouring. This will allow the wine to cool slightly, releasing its zesty, lean flavours. However, don’t let it get too cold, as that can dampen its aromas and flavours. A good bet: aim for around 8-10°C.

Learn more about wine serving temperatures.