PINOT GRIGIO

Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is a white grape that produces some of the world’s most-loved white wines.

A mutation of Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio is a grape that has a greyish-blue fruit, hence the name "Gris" or "Grigio", which means "grey" in French and Italian, respectively.

Despite using the same grape, wines produced in the two countries showcase quite different characteristics. Italy’s Pinot Grigio typically has a bright, crisp, dry white wine bursting with zesty citrus flavours. On the other hand, Pinot Gris from France tends to have lower acidity and high alcohol levels, resulting in a fuller, riper wine.

One of the fascinating aspects of Pinot Grigio is its versatility. Thanks to the range of colours in its skins, it can produce a variety of white wine hues, from a delicate copper to a deep golden, and even with a hint of pink. Pinot Grigio is prized for its light to medium body, high acidity and fresh fruit flavours regardless of colour.

Despite its French origins, Pinot Grigio is widely cultivated in the northeastern regions of Italy, particularly Lombardy, Friuli, Veneto and Alto Adige. In France’s Alsace region, it produces a distinct style of wine, varying from dry to sweet, showcasing the versatility of this grape.

The allure of Pinot Grigio has not been confined to Europe. From its spread across Europe – including vineyards in Germany, Hungary and Austria – it has now found a home in New World vineyards. Australia and New Zealand have embraced this grape, with regions like Mornington Peninsula, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania crafting excellent examples of Pinot Grigio.

Australian regions where Pinot Grigio is grown include:

• Mornington Peninsula, Victoria – This region is known for its cool maritime climate, which is ideal for producing Pinot Grigio with crisp acidity and fresh fruit flavours.
• Yarra Valley, Victoria – Another cool climate region in Victoria, the Yarra Valley produces elegant and refined styles of Pinot Grigio.
• Adelaide Hills, South Australia – This cool climate region is known for producing aromatic and delicately structured Pinot Grigio wines.
• Tasmania – The island state’s cool climate is conducive to producing high-quality Pinot Grigio with a distinct freshness and acidity.
• King Valley, Victoria – Known as ‘Little Italy’, this region has a strong Italian heritage and is renowned for its Italian varietals, including Pinot Grigio.
• Eden Valley, South Australia – Though better known for Riesling, this region also produces excellent Pinot Grigio with a unique profile.
• Alpine Valleys, Victoria – This region benefits from a cool climate and varied terroir, contributing to the nuanced expressions of Pinot Grigio.

This grape is also grown in the US, where wines often lean towards the lighter, crisper Italian style, although some winemakers emulate the fuller-bodied French style.

Pinot Grigio has a light-to-medium body, high acidity and vibrant freshness. This wine typically presents fresh, crisp flavours of pear, green apple, citrus, and white flowers. Yet, the flavours can lean towards riper fruit tones like honeydew melon or tropical fruit in warmer climates or when harvested later in the season. Subtle spice and mineral undertones are often woven into its vibrant palette.

Italian Pinot Grigio is a light, zesty, and zingy white wine with a medium-to-high alcohol content of 12.5–13.5% ABV. Despite being the same grape, French Pinot Gris wines generally display more body, texture and alcohol than their Italian counterparts.

Early-ripening Pinot Grigio grapes produce wines with a light body and high acidity, offering a citric taste and packed with fruit flavours, including grapefruit, lime, lemon, white peach and green apple.

Wines fashioned from later-ripening Pinot Grigio grapes showcase more luscious fruit flavours, with pear, peach, apricot and white nectarine taking centre stage.

Regardless of the ripening stage, Pinot Grigio wines may also exhibit hints of other flavours, like ginger, white flowers and almond. Subtle floral notes, mineral nuances and hints of honeysuckle and spices can be found, depending on where the grape is grown.

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are actually the same grape variety but are named differently and made into different styles of wine.

Pinot Gris is the French version of the grape, named after its greyish-blue colour. It originated in the Alsace region in France, where the wine style is typically fuller-bodied, richer and more viscous in texture, often with a slight sweetness. The flavour profile usually includes luscious fruit notes of ripe apricots, peaches, pears, and honeycomb or brioche, particularly in aged examples. Alsace Pinot Gris wines can also be relatively high in alcohol, often reaching around 14-15% ABV.

Pinot Grigio is the Italian interpretation of the grape, which is quite different from the French style. In Italy, particularly in northern regions like Lombardy and Veneto, Pinot Grigio is a crisp, dry white wine, typically light-bodied with vibrant acidity. Usually, the flavour profile leans more towards zesty citrus fruits, green apples and pears, and some floral and mineral notes. Italian Pinot Grigio wines are often consumed young to preserve their refreshing character.

Pinot Grigio showcases different characteristics based on where it’ grown. Italian Pinot Grigio is typically light-bodied and crisp, while French Pinot Gris (same grape) tends to be fuller and richer. Choosing a good Pinot Grigio will depend on your taste preferences.

Australian winemakers produce wines that often fall between the lighter Italian and richer Alsace styles.

If you prefer a wine with high acidity, crisp freshness and a lighter body, opt for a Pinot Grigio from cooler climates, such as Mornington Peninsula or Tasmania. A Pinot Grigio from a warmer region like Adelaide Hills would be a great choice for a richer style.

Pinot Grigio’s high acidity and fresh fruit flavours make it a versatile wine for food pairing. It pairs beautifully with light seafood dishes, grilled chicken, salads, and cheeses. Its crispness also works well with slightly spicy or flavoured dishes, making it a great partner for Asian cuisine. Whether your dish is light or robust, there’s a good chance a glass of Pinot Grigio would be a good choice.

Pinot Grigio is best served chilled, between 6-8°C. This temperature helps enhance its refreshing acidity and amplifies its delicate fruit flavours. It is best to use a smaller glass, such as a white wine glass, to concentrate the wine’s subtle aromas.