Curiosity piques the interest of many wine lovers, specifically regarding two types of wines, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Gris. The frequently-asked question is whether or not these two wines are the same. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris. While they do come from the same grape varieties, their differences extend deeper than just their names. Here’s what you should know about these two very similar types of wine.
Origin and naming
Why have two names for wines that come from the same grape variety? While both Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are made from Pinot grapes, these grapes are grown in different regions.
Pinot Grigio grapes come from Italy where it’s quickly becoming a favourite grape variant, especially in the Veneto area. On the other hand, Pinot Gris comes from France, particularly Alsace. Although the names certainly serve to mark the difference in the regions, the grapes themselves are essentially similar, with each region adding its distinctive taste to the wine produced.
How do Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio differ in taste?
Although they come from the same grape variety, Pinot Grigio tastes different from Pinot Gris.
Most people associate Pinot Grigio with being light, crisp, and refreshing, complete with juicy hints of citrus fruit and green apple. This flavour profile makes it the perfect white wine for warm weather.
On the contrary, Pinot Gris is a matured and fuller bodied wine that carries a spicy and rich taste. Most bottles include notes of pear, and honey as well as a slight mineral taste.
Winemaking and regional styles
The above differences in flavours are due to each wine’s regional winemaking styles. Production for Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris differ, resulting in different wines altogether.
Italian wine producers tend to create a more lean wine that is high in acidity. These features allow the final product to complement food well. Meanwhile, Alsatian winemakers would often use riper grapes for Pinot Gris, resulting in a stronger and more alcoholic wine. This is also what gives the wine a well-rounded, richer taste.
Colour differences
When it comes to appearance, Pinot Gris often looks darker than Pinot Grigio when poured in a glass. This difference is due to the amount of skin contact that the winemakers implement.
Pinot Grigio wine is lighter because it only comes in contact with the grape skins briefly. However, Alsation Pinot Gris can seem golden or even amber because French winemakers would leave it for longer skin contact.
Ideal Food Pairings
You would think that, since these wines are made of the same grapes, they would go well with the same foods. Well, that’s not really the case here! While both wines offer versatile pairing options, their different flavours mean different ideal matches.
With a light Pinot Grigio, go for equally light dishes. Salads, shellfish, and light pasta with olive oil or a lemon sauce would complement the wine’s airiness. On the other hand, with a rich wine like Pinot Gris, you can afford to serve heavier dishes like roasted pork, creamy cheeses, and spicy Asian cuisine.
Whether you're in the mood for something light or craving a richer meal, one of these wines is sure to complement it.
Which wine should you choose?
The white wine you end up choosing really depends on what you’re looking for. Pick up a Pinot Grigio if you’re after a crisp, refreshing wine. If you’re in the mood for something a little more complex, then Pinot Gris will fit the bill. There is no right or wrong choice here, so trust your taste buds to pick the one for you.
At the end of the day, even though Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio come from the same grape variety, the difference between them shows just how region, climate, and winemaking style can transform the flavours of a wine. Curious to taste the difference yourself? Grab yourself a bottle of each from minuman.com or the minuman.com Superstore.
