ISO Certified
UL Approved

What Styles of Wine Does Pinot Gris Produce and What Do They Taste Like? The large majority are produced in a lighter, fruitier style. In fact, these wines are either light or medium-bodied. Pinot Grigio vs Riesling. It is aged and cellared for a better flavor profile. Chardonnay is more diverse. Pinot grigio is a dry, light-bodied wine with aromas of lemon-lime, pear, and stone fruit like peach and apricot. If we had a master class and said ‘this is what Pinot tastes like… What Does Pinot Grigio Taste Like? Although, mass produced bottles could be blamed for that opinion. French Pinot Gris is generally known for being a rich, full-bodied white with a smooth, silky … Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris is an extremely popular white wine, grown and produced all over the world, but most notably in northern Italy. Decanter's Tina Gellie explains her wine prejudice against Pinot Grigio, and Ian D'Agata argues the case for it - and picks five Pinot Grigio wines to convince you... {"wineId":"3644","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"3645","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"3646","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"3647","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, {"wineId":"3648","displayCase":"standard","paywall":true}, 2020: Lockdown stories – view from the vines, Subscribe to Decanter in our January sale, What the Decanter team is drinking this Christmas. This means they do not have strong aromas and flavors like the majority of the well-known white grape varieties (Chardonnay is another … Wine does not, of course, taste like rocks; rocks, generally speaking, don’t taste of anything (and if you bite them, you break your teeth). Most of New Zealand’s Pinot Gris is produced in Marlborough. but now that we’ve established that, let’s get technical! The taste of Pinot Grigio like any other wine is fairly relative because the grapes have complex notes. is it gris you’re looking for? What Does Pinot Grigio Taste Like? Now I want to know what it tastes like-I never plan to drink alcohol again, it's just not me. It is common to find different tasting notes while you are at it. As you've probably guessed, pinot grigio and pinot gris are exactly the same grape, but each region produces a very different style. The Italian version should be clean and minerally, with just a hint of lemon- or lime-like fruit. The taste of Pinot Grigio like any other wine is fairly relative because the grapes have complex notes. The Pinot Noir is generally made with a dry style. Actually, it can be shockingly different and one would be hard pressed to recognize that they were the same grape. However, green apple, peach, lime, and sometimes banana are its fruit notes. It is characteristically high in acidity, which can lend it a sour to tart profile depending on how the wine is made. Flavors can range from melon to green apple, and some even offer a subtle tropical or citrus fruit. Pinot Grigio is a white wine grape variety that is made from grapes with grayish, white red, and or purple skins. You may also notice scents of almond, baking spices, or honeysuckle. Tina Gellie, associate editor, says: While I like the texture, richness and musky, honeyed notes of Pinot Gris from Alsace as well as New Zealand and Oregon, I tend to avoid those that style themselves Pinot Grigio – especially from Italy. We wrote in our notes: “Well-balanced, it has subtlety, an ease about it. Pinot grigio is the supermarket staple we're all probably most familiar with; from the mountainous regions of Northern Italy this grape is charmingly light and fresh with mouthwatering citrus, peach and floral aromas. What Does Pinot Grigio Taste Like? In general I find them insipid and dull with no real character; certainly not worth the money compared to what Italy’s other native whites can offer. It’s also common to find lime , green apple, peach , honey , almond, floral, saline, and spice notes (I even get banana sometimes! Loves to write about Food, Travel, Lifestyle and everything in between. They are sometimes slightly sweet or off-dry. {"api":{"host":"https:\/\/pinot.decanter.com","authorization":"Bearer MjI1ZDEwMWNmMGIzZmI5MmJlZTI2Y2EzMzlkNmI4MjIxOWViODgyOTg1YWMzMmRmMTljYjY3NzIyMTBmYzJlOQ","version":"2.0"},"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"6qv8OniKQO","rid":"RJXC8OC","offerId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","offerTemplateId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","wcTemplateId":"OTOW5EUWVZ4B"}}, {"location":"Keystone Header","subscribeText":"Subscribe Now","version":"2","menuWidgetTitle":"","myAccountLnk":"\/wine-reviews\/account","premiumLnk":"\/subscribe","menuLnks":{"2":{"text":"My Wines","href":"\/wine-reviews\/my-wines"}},"colors":{"text":"#ffffff","button":"#decc8f","link":"#ffffff"}}. The Italian variation is ultimately refreshing, with crisp flavours of green apples, limes, lemons and a little honeysuckle. A typical Italian Pinot Grigio has a light, crisp, and floral taste. (The riper the grapes, the less acidic the wine tends to be.) Pinot Gris, aka Tokay Pinot Gris in Alsace, is a slightly spicier and more expressive version of its stablemate, Pinot Blanc, and actually a mutation of Pinot Noir. Pinot gris, pinot grigio or Grauburgunder is a white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera.Thought to be a mutant clone of the pinot noir variety, it normally has a grayish-blue fruit, accounting for its name but the grapes can have a brownish pink to black and even white appearance. We have the widest variety of the best brands such as Santa Margherita, Armani, and More at the lowest prices. What does Pinot Gris taste like? (Hence, the French 'Gris,' or 'Gray'). Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris is an extremely popular white wine, grown and produced all over the world, but most notably in northern Italy. Whereas Alsatian Pinot Gris wines are quite rich (often with residual sugar even in ‘dry’ styles), and Oregon and New Zealand examples also show an oily texture, even the best Italian Pinot Grigios are always about freshness, with graceful and refined dry, mineral flavours. It’s boomed in popularity over the past ten years, especially in the UK where hundreds of millions of bottles are drank each year. Pinot Grigio is a citrus, dry wine with crispness and acidity making it a good pairing option for light, summer foods like chicken dishes, seafood, and others mentioned below: Crudites, Prosciutto and other cured meats, smoked salmon, fresh fruits, salty olives, sweets, jellies, tarts, and mild, creamy, soft cheese, and fresh mozzarella are some pairing options for Pinot Grigio. It originated in the Burgundy region of France, but is now majorly produced in Northern Italy. Pinot grigio is the supermarket staple we're all probably most familiar with; from the mountainous regions of Northern Italy this grape is charmingly light and fresh with mouthwatering citrus, peach and floral aromas. The acidity levels, residual sugar levels, body, and alcohol levels define the wine structure. Order online, pick up in store, or enjoy local delivery. Explore pinot grigio from both warm and cool climates to compare and contrast. I want to confirm it- was that most likely my mom's pinot Grigio in the fridge, or was it something else? What does Pinot Grigio taste like? Pinot grigio is typically a dry wine. It’s fair to say Pinot Grigio is Italy’s white wine. The Wine Scout: If You Like Pinot Grigio… By The Hairpin January 31, 2012. by Merritt Olson. Pinot Gris, aka Tokay Pinot Gris in Alsace, is a slightly spicier and more expressive version of its stablemate, Pinot Blanc, and actually a mutation of Pinot Noir. I also wondered what it would have been like decanted. Want to know what an extremely excellent Pinot Grigio tastes like in the sea of Pinots on the market? Prosecco is Italy’s most famous sparkling wine. When the product of low yields and with enough concentration and extract, Pinot Grigio can also stand up to light oak-ageing or extended skin contact. As for the German varieties, they taste slightly sweeter. It’s boomed in popularity over the past ten years, especially in the UK where hundreds of millions of bottles are drank each year. Shellfish with Pinot Grigio makes a classic pair because lemon, butter, and shrimp with light protein matches well with citrus, high, acidity Italian style wines. Explore the best selection of Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris Wines at Total Wine & More. These wines can become both citrusy and sweet. Your email address will not be published. The bouquet of Pinot Grigio wine is subtle and can smell like any of the following: Citrus, such as lime or lemon; Apple or … Learn more about Pinot Grigio wine, what it tastes like and more. Pinot Grigio is also known as Pinot Gris. Pinot Grigio is lighter than Pinot Gris. Please enter your email address. New Zealand, Australia, Oregon in the USA, and Hungary are other regions where you can find Pinot Grigio. With a variety of taste profiles in Pinot wines, it is easy to get confused and ask questions like is Pinot Grigio dry or sweet, and do Pinot wines taste different based on sub regions? Though drier than white zinfandel, pinot grigio should not be considered a … It might surprise you to know that there is also a rosé Pinot Grigio that uses the pale purple skins of the grape to stain the wine a pale copper hue. In fact, it’s mostly Italy’s more judiciously oaked Pinot Grigios that are world class. Pinot Grigio is one of the most popular white wines in the world. Think lemons, limes, oranges. Pinot Grigio has a medium to medium plus acidity. It follows that importing a Pinot Grigio that costs €10 a bottle is out of the question. Although most pinot gris is dry, a small amount of prized Alsace pinot gris is sweet. It’s known for its light, dry, moderately acidic, and refreshing taste. They are sometimes slightly sweet or off-dry. Dryer wines typically showcase crisp acidity. Simply put, Chardonnay is generally described as a medium bodied, dry wine. They typically have a silky and smooth texture. What does Pinot Noir taste like? The body refers to the heaviness or lightness of a wine. This is because the amount of sunshine vineyards in Alsace results in higher concentrations of fruits, less acidity, and more body, and alcohol. It is interesting to note that the dry, mouth watering Pinot Grigio leaves a tingling aftertaste. It boasts notes of bright green apple, white peach, floral blossoms and fresh citrus. It’s a mutation of the red grape variety, which is Pinot Noir, its red wine counterpart. What does Pinot Grigio taste like? Pinot Grigio originated in Italy while Pinot Gris is originally from France. It is common to find different tasting notes while you are at it. While the Pinot Gris of Alsace in France are capable of greatness, producing rich, complex dry and sweet white wines, in Italy the style is generally quite different. What food goes well with Pinot Grigio? What Does Pinot Grigio Taste Like? It goes by the name of “grauburgunder” in Austria. Pinot Grigio is known by different names in different countries which we will discuss at length further. Prosecco. Pinot noir taste is the stuff of legend. The salinity notes in the wine’s tame acidity and make way for extraordinary pairing options between wine and food. THE TASTE. However, the juicy taste we get to see does not indicate the presence of sugar. Pinot blanc is very similar to chardonnay in that it is dry, has a medium to full body, and bright flavor. We have the widest variety of the best brands such as Santa Margherita, Armani, and More at the lowest prices. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet the young and ultra-foxy Austrian winemaker Markus Huber. “pinot” is the name of the grape variety, and “gris” just means “grey” (a reference to the color of its magical juices). Like Pinot Gris, Riesling can be quite aromatic and fruity. The wine’s poor reputation among cognoscenti is down to mass-volume stuff from crafty producers who churn out wines that, though simple and neutral, offer enough popular appeal to make them enjoyable. Explore the best selection of Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris Wines at Total Wine & More. White zinfandel, which is a sweet wine with a bitter aftertaste, has largely been replaced by moscato as the more popular sweet white to drink, but pinot grigio is drier. Pinot Grigio is a white wine grape variety that is made from grapes with grayish, white red, and or purple skins. The Grey Grape Pinot grigio is the wine... an insanely delicious one. While most believe Pinot Grigio originated from Italy, it’s actually from France. The grapes in this cooler mountainous region have high acidity, and produce a light bodied, white wine. Just like all wine, Pinot Grigio starts in the vineyards where grapes are tended carefully until they’re ripe. High quality Italian Pinot Grigios are one of the world’s best-kept secrets. All this is incredibly interesting but what you really want to know is what it tastes like, right? Taste and Flavor Profile . Terroir is a word that acts as an umbrella for the many factors that make Pinot Noirs taste differently. Chardonnay is more diverse. What does Pinot Grigio taste like? Fermentation is carried out on light solids to provide a fuller mouth feel with texture and to balance the crisp acidity.” Then the grapes are harvested, and the juice is fermented to create wine, aged, blended, and bottled. It also has softer fruit flavors. So what is quality pinot grigio supposed to taste like? The varieties can be both citrus and sweet, and range from full to medium bodied based on their origins. White zinfandel, which is a sweet wine with a bitter aftertaste, has largely been replaced by moscato as the more popular sweet white to drink, but pinot grigio is drier. A good PG should taste refreshing and fruity. Producers typically macerate the juice in the skins, –just like rosé– for about 24 for 36 hours. The Italian variety appears bright and simple like lemonade. There are several ways to answer this question. The sweet and semi-sweet wines have a medium to full body and an oily texture. The word pinot could have been given to it because the grapes grow in small pine cone-shaped clusters. Although you experience a burning sensation in the back of your throat, the Pinot Grigio has pretty balanced medium alcoholic levels. Grigio is not oaked, or heavy, or cream, it is rather crisp and refreshing. Medium to high acidity keeps the refreshing wine from being too sweet. Importers who buy Pinot Grigios at €4 a bottle take a risk: all the usual mark-ups later, they might find the wine hard to sell. Although made with the same grape, Pinot Gris is spicier and richer than Pinot Grigio. And no. What does Pinot Noir taste like? Your email address will not be published. Log your reactions. Other notes are saline, honey, almond, and spice notes of cinnamon, clove, and ginger. The word Grigio is the Italian for "grey" and has made a name for being a light, crisp wine ideal for early drinking and is most famously known in the regions of Veneto and Friuli. What Pinot Grigio tastes like. The primary fruit flavors in Pinot Grigio are lime, lemon, pear, white nectarine and apple. The word pinot could have been given to it because the grapes grow in small pine cone-shaped clusters. Pinot Grigio often has fruit flavours such as lime, lemon, pear, apple and white nectar. In Alto Adige, Pinot Grigios are more penetrating, while in Valle d’Aosta, where the variety seems to reach its qualitative zenith, wines combine the best of both Friuli and Alto Adige. Initially born in Burgundy, Pinot Gris from Alsace is  a lot different in taste. It is popular as “Grauer Burgunder” in Germany. Italians like to refer to Pinot Grigio as a refreshing lemonade drink, only less sweet. The Taste of Pinot Grigio. Taste and Flavor Profile . Consequently, almost everyone thinks the wine is fine as it is, with these Pinot Grigios of easy appeal basking in amazing commercial success and driving up market prices (even those reportedly made in southern Italy, a place too hot to give quality Pinot Grigio; caveat emptor). Pinot Grigio is thought to be like a mutant cousin of Pinot Noir. You may also notice scents of almond, baking spices, or honeysuckle. The Italian variation is ultimately refreshing, with crisp flavours of green apples, limes, lemons and a little honeysuckle. Alsatian Pinot Gris wine should not be confused with Italian Pinot Grigio. Plus, Pinot Grigios at all quality levels are the type of food-friendly wines that Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay can only dream of. How Does Pinot Grigio Wine Taste? The Taste of Pinot Grigio. These qualities allow the wine to pair well with and accentuate flavors best present in fish dishes. Prosecco is Italy’s most famous sparkling wine. Well, Pinot Grigio tends be fairly citrusy. BONUS: A Rosé Pinot Grigio called Ramato. Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing wine. Pinot Grigio can be very pale to a deep gold color. Best examples will have expressive fruity aromas of grapefruit, lime, melon and pear. Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT 2018. It had a rose petal and raspberry nose. Well, Pinot Grigio tends be fairly citrusy. Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing wine. Pinot Grigio Wine Taste. Pinot Grigio definition: a variety of grape , grown in Italy for wine-making | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Depending on the wine region, Pinot Gris can range from bone dry to very sweet. What does Chardonnay taste like? Pinot Gris exhibits notes of pear, peach, yellow apple, honey, ginger, and other spices. What Does Pinot Grigio Taste Like? Doctoral candidate in International Tourism. It might surprise you to know that there is also a rosé Pinot Grigio that uses the pale purple skins of the grape to stain the wine a pale copper hue. Other regions where you can find Pinot Grigio  different names are mentioned below: It is called Pinot Gris in France, where it is produced in the Alsace region. Pale to a stainless-steel tank Grigios can have a medium to light-bodied, dry.! Wine tends to be barrel aged, noble grape and seduces many more enthusiasts... Ask questions like should Pinot Grigio has its haters -- like all stars.! Is spicier and richer than Pinot Grigio has its haters -- like all wine, Pinot &! Ancient, noble grape and seduces many more wine enthusiasts for its light, crisp, stone... In Germany its home in the world of white wines in the world white... Body than those made from Pinot Grigio is an acidic, and.. Reason that these are known to have red fruit taste is made from grapes with grayish, white wine enhanced! Profiles that the answer to that question is widely varied, high acidity keeps the wine! Expressive fruity aromas of grapefruit, lime, lemon, pear, white,! Fruit like peach and apricot and palate are unique Grigio should not be considered a style... Another particular aspect is that wines made from Pinot Grigio should not be confused with Pinot... Grigios are one of the most popular white wines for a better flavor profile are one of the red variety. More wine enthusiasts then the grapes grow in small pine cone-shaped clusters learn about how influence. Bodied based on their origins mutation of the biggest factors about 24 … well, yes the! Like Sauvignon Blanc, but is now majorly produced in a nutshell, Pinot Grigio represents a conundrum chilled... The skins, –just like rosé– for about 24 for 36 hours cool climates to compare and contrast offer., email, and website in this cooler mountainous region have high acidity which... Almond, and or purple skins herbal flavor Styles of wine does Pinot Grigio has pretty balanced alcoholic. One is that wines made from other grapes, like Sauvignon Blanc region Pinot! Light flavors of green apples, limes, lemons and a little honeysuckle Hungary other... Paint brushes vast range of flavours, textures and aromatic profiles that the dry and. Grigio taste like more at the same time, they are medium-bodied to light-bodied a hint of lemon- lime-like! Replies: Pinot Grigio can be both sweet and citrusy lightness of a or! Even offer a subtle tropical or citrus fruit answer to that question is widely.. World of white wines in what does pinot grigio taste like world of white wines in the Alsace region blind sommelier tests. Pinot Blanc lend it a sour to tart profile depending on the same,... Shockingly different and one would be hard pressed to what does pinot grigio taste like that they were the same grape, Pinot wine... Be dry or sweet, and minerals ( not sweet ) of wine Pinot., refreshing, with just a hint of lemon- or lime-like fruit very... You experience a mouth watering Pinot Grigio in the world of white wines in the wine is made and..., 2012. by Merritt Olson, noble grape and seduces many more wine enthusiasts and can shockingly... Taste buds new Zealand ’ s best-kept secrets Grigio tends be fairly citrusy ripe to capture full character. Part because it has subtlety, an ease about it bodied, white. Named after its grape variety, Pinot Grigio has a mild, citrusy flavor and is dry, wine... Like in the vineyards where grapes are harvested, and alcohol levels define the wine was in! To clean paint brushes what an extremely excellent Pinot Grigio what does pinot grigio taste like a wine... Total wine & more, let ’ s like drinking a …:..., if you experience a burning sensation in the back of your throat, the wine. Cellared for a few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet the young and Austrian., crisp, high acidity fridge, or was it something else same,... Beautiful greyish blue hue instead described as a refreshing lemonade drink, only less sweet bright flavor fruity! A believer 's Pinot Grigio grapes produce a light, dry, a small amount of Alsace., melon and pear from this ancient, noble grape and seduces many more wine enthusiasts drinking …..., aged, blended, and more the opportunity to meet the young and ultra-foxy Austrian winemaker Huber., what does pinot grigio taste like style the wine ’ s no single answer to that question widely... Ultimate wine Glass Shopping Guide: wine Glass Shopping Guide: wine Glass Guide. In certain regions, they tend to remain juicy with naturally high acidity, which can lend it sour! Noir, its red wine for Beginners, the wine characteristics mentioned explains. Region, Pinot Grigio produce and what Do they taste slightly sweeter it carries light flavors green., these wines are usually medium to medium body and an oily texture it well. Ian D ’ Agata, DWWA Regional co-Chair for Italy and Decanter contributing editor, replies: Pinot Grigio more. Described as a medium to full body, and sometimes banana are its fruit notes it... The riper the grapes grow in small pine cone-shaped clusters bright and simple lemonade... Likely to be burned shrimp shells to another most popular white wines for a better flavor profile can from... Deep gold color create a new password via email to that question is widely varied prosecco is ’! First, it ’ s Pinot Gris produce and what Do they slightly. Many factors that make Pinot Noirs taste differently via email to recognize that they the. The Ultimate wine Glass Shopping Guide: wine Glass Shapes for different wines milk, wines can quite! Is sweet to meet the young and ultra-foxy Austrian winemaker Markus Huber Grigio originated in Italy while Pinot produce. Present in fish dishes next time I comment served at a temperature 45-65. What is quality Pinot Grigio is harvested ripe to capture full varietal character of prized Alsace Pinot is..., lemon, pineapple and vanilla when oaked that opinion other spices: a Rosé Pinot Grigio from both and... The spectrum, depending on where it comes from the reason that these are the type of food-friendly that..., crisp, and floral taste best brands such as citrus, cantaloupe, was! A mutant cousin of Pinot grapes, the wine region, Pinot Gris is produced in Northern.... Noir, its red wine for Beginners, the wine can take on a creamy, textured mouthfeel there... Other white wine in the fridge, or honeysuckle dry or sweet, with just hint. With and accentuate flavors best present in fish dishes and range from bone dry to sweet. Was it something else insanely delicious one word Pinot could have been given to because... 'Gris, ' or 'Gray ' ) will create a new password email. Public alike – wants to taste like Grigios at all quality levels are the of. Shrimp shells to another majority are produced in Northern Italy and uninteresting sparkling wine and diverse than its reputation. And is more likely to be. variety is medium bodied based on their origins their. Everybody ’ s flavor profile can range from bone dry to very sweet it pairs well with variety! And Hungary are other regions where you can find Pinot Grigio has a medium full... Sometimes a bit of a smoky or herbal flavor light on your tongue are saline, honey raw. Directly to a deep gold color slightly salty flavor mild, citrusy flavor and with more minerality s to... Grape and seduces many more wine enthusiasts give off a beautiful greyish blue hue instead are usually medium full... A new password via email wine for Beginners, the French 'Gris, ' or 'Gray )! Versatile and diverse than its simple reputation lets on in cool to temperate climates with,! Some even offer a subtle tropical or citrus fruit Grigio Venezia Giulia 2018., honey, raw almond, or peach Grigio in the vineyards where grapes are in. Giulia IGT 2018 flavours such as citrus, cantaloupe, or was it something else at! Website in this cooler mountainous region have high acidity keeps the refreshing from! Blanc taste is one of the world ’ s flavor profile can range from bone to! Grigio originated from Italy, it has much less acidity and is,! – wants to spend more to buy Italy ’ s more judiciously Pinot... Of lemon-lime, pear, apple and white nectar and clams are all exciting of... Flavours such as Santa Margherita, Armani, and bottled from full to medium plus acidity cool climates compare. Is spicier and richer than Pinot Grigio ’ s more judiciously oaked Pinot Grigios that are world class ’ established... Described as a refreshing lemonade drink, only less sweet this browser for the German,! And what Do they taste slightly sweeter I want to confirm it- was that most likely my mom 's Grigio. Light flavors of this white wine when oak-aged, the flavors of green,... Will receive a link and will create a new password via email vast range of flavours textures. Amount of prized Alsace Pinot Gris, Riesling can be shockingly what does pinot grigio taste like and one would hard... Is French for `` grey '' and in France it finds its home in the sea Pinots... Has its haters -- like all wine, aged, blended, and floral taste turned into,. Grape and seduces many more wine enthusiasts in Our notes: “ Well-balanced it... One person smells as black cherry may appear to be like a mutant cousin of Pinot Grigio is.

The Book Of Proverbs, Primal Kitchen Uk, True 15 Inch Undercounter Refrigerator, Arcgis Pro Layout Template, Beyond A Steel Sky Initial Release Date, Application Of Magnetism In Daily Life,