There are reports that over 25 thousand hectares of Pinot Gris grow in Italy. However, the country leads in plantings across the globe. It’s not entirely known how the grape made its way to northern Italy. There, it’s one of four noble grape varieties that make Alsace Grand Cru, Vendange Tardive (VT) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN). However, the most notable versions come from Alsace. Small amounts still grow there, in addition to Champagne. The Grape’s OriginsĬonsidering its connection to Pinot Noir, many assume that the origin of Pinot Grigio/Gris is Burgundy, France. However, skin-contact wines are not uncommon, which produce a light pink or sometimes copper-hued wine. In contrast, Pinot Grigio/Gris makes primarily white wine with zero skin contact during the winemaking process. Pinot Noir is a red grape, offering the ability to make red and rosé wine. They share much of the same DNA, except the color of their grape skin. It’s believed that Pinot Grigio/Gris is a mutation of Pinot Noir. Pinot is a French word meaning ‘pine’ and alludes to the grape’s tight cluster, creating a cone-shaped bunch. Pinot Grigio/Gris is one of four common Pinot grapes, including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. However, fuller-bodied versions from Alsace or Germany do have the ability to age well. The majority of Pinot Grigio/Gris is for drinking young, usually within one or two years from its release. In warmer wine-growing regions like Australia and the United States, its mouth-feel is robust, with stone fruit and melon flavors. Versions from cool climates have a lighter body with lean characteristics, offering zesty citrus and yellow fruit flavors with crisp acidity. But the flavors and characteristics of Pinot Grigio can vary greatly, depending on where it’s from and how it’s made. Riesling can have petrol notes, and Sauvignon Blanc is known for its herbaceous qualities. Pinot Grigio/Gris can be difficult to pinpoint in a blind tasting because it doesn’t have an obvious identifier. France versions have a weightier body with a slight unctuous/oily mouthfeel. However, it does grow in other famous French regions such as Burgundy and the Loire Valley. French versions are called Pinot Gris and come mainly from Alsace. Italian versions are usually bone-dry with high acidity. Pinot Grigio refers to styles from regions in northern Italy like Alto Adige and Trentino. However, depending on where it grows, it can display contrasting characteristics. The confusion stops here Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape. No matter the name, read on to discover the individual attributes of this unique grape. But it also goes by the names Auxerrois Gris in Alsace, Fromentau in Languedoc, Grauburgunder in Germany, and Monemvasia in Greece – among many others. Most countries produce either Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris (more on the differences in a moment). From lemon to copper to pale pink, its unique grape-skin color provides many styles for winemakers to produce. Pinot Grigio is a wine of many hues and synonyms. Last updated on September 9th, 2022 at 05:25 am
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