Pinot Gris

Grape Directory

Background

This is the same grape and vine as Pinot Grigio however the name used is often influenced by the producer’s winemaking background. Therefore a wine labeled Pinot Grigio is likely to taste very different to a Pinot Gris and for this reason we will treat the names separately.

Pinot Gris is the name used in Germany and Alsace (France). As it is traditional in these areas to leave some residual sugar in the wines Pinot Gris can have a slightly sweet finish.

As suggested by the Pinot name the grape variety is believed to be a mutation of Pinot Noir, originally in Burgundy

Key Regions

In Germany it is also called Rülander if made sweet but commonly Grauburgunder if made to the dry Pinot Grigio style.
In Alsace, France, the variety was known as Tokay Pinot Gris but this has stopped due to confusion with the Tokay style and the Tokaji region

Synonyms

Pinot Grigio (see Pinot Grigio for explanation of this style).

Common Flavour and Character

Pinot Gris is a deep golden coloured white wine. It is not necessarily distinguished by its 'nose', which has gentle spicy and smoky characters, but by its long, viscous and often sweet palate.

It can age and may develop pleasing rustic aromas of smoke, damp woods and honey.

An impressive match with an array of food types, ranging from smoked salmon, terrines and foie gras through to rich, flavoursome venison, pork dishes and Thai food

Please note that confusion over the grape’s name, especially in new wine regions, means the wrong name can be used to describe the wine style. Reading a bottle of tasting notes and winemaking practices is the best way to identify the wine style

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