Grape · White

Pinot Gris

Also known as Grauburgunder in Germany, Ruländer in Germany, traditional, Malvoisie in Valais or Pinot Grigio in Italy

Moderate climate

About

The richer, more complex expression of the Pinot Gris / Grigio grape, associated with Alsace. Spicy, full-bodied wines with lower acidity and often a hint of sweetness.

Typical profile

Body

Rounded

Acidity

Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

lemon peach mango banana

Aged · develops with bottle time

honey ginger smoke

Explore aromas

Oak influence

None

Aging

Drink young, within 1-3 years; richer Alsace-style bottlings can go 5-8.

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

France

Alsace

Rounder↓Sweeter↑

Rich, off-dry to sweet, with stone fruit and honey. Often labelled Pinot Gris.

Germany

Ahr

Light, fresh Grauburgunder from steep riverside sites

Baden

Known as Grauburgunder, producing rich full-bodied whites in a style closer to Alsace than Mosel

Mittelrhein

Crisp, mineral Grauburgunder from steep slate vineyards

Nahe

Elegant, mineral Grauburgunder with stone fruit character

Pfalz

Known as Grauburgunder, producing dry, medium-bodied whites

Rheinhessen

Grauburgunder: textural, off-dry to dry whites with poached pear and spice.

Italy

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Leaner↓

Crisp, light, neutral. The classic Pinot Grigio style: clean and refreshing.

Veneto

Known as Pinot Grigio, light and crisp high-volume style. Light, crisp, high-volume style

New Zealand

Central Otago

Schist soils and mountain sun give rich yet fresh Pinot Gris, pear and spice with a dry, textural finish.

Gisborne

Warm days and fertile loams give soft, fragrant Pinot Gris, one of the region's most planted whites.

Marlborough

Aromatic, off-dry to dry styles with stone fruit and spice

Nelson

A regional strength: generous pear-and-spice Pinot Gris that keeps its freshness in the maritime air.

Switzerland

Three Lakes

Dry and off-dry styles from northern Switzerland

Valais

A long-standing Valais speciality; often vinified late-harvest for the Flétrie style

United States

Willamette Valley

Leaner↓

Richer, textured Pinot Gris with pear and spice.

Food pairings

Alsatian choucroute garnie with smoked sausages and pork bellyPan-seared foie gras with caramelized apple and briocheRoasted pork tenderloin with honey-glazed root vegetablesSpiced lamb tagine with apricots and almondsThai green curry with coconut milk and jasmine riceGrilled salmon with ginger-soy glaze and sesame vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pinot Gris taste like?▼

Pinot Gris offers a rich, full-bodied profile with spicy characteristics and lower acidity than many white wines. You'll taste fresh fruit flavors like lemon, peach, mango, and banana, often with a subtle hint of sweetness.

Where does Pinot Gris grow best?▼

Pinot Gris thrives in moderate climates, with Alsace being the most renowned region for producing the grape's richer, more complex expression. These cooler conditions help maintain the grape's natural acidity while allowing full flavor development.

What food pairs with Pinot Gris?▼

The full body and spicy character of Pinot Gris makes it excellent with rich dishes like roasted pork, creamy pasta, and Asian cuisine with mild spice. Its slight sweetness also complements foie gras and soft cheeses beautifully.

How does Pinot Gris age?▼

As Pinot Gris ages, it develops more complex aromatics, transitioning from fresh fruit notes to rich honey, warming ginger, and subtle smoke. The wine becomes even more full-bodied and sophisticated with time.

Is Pinot Gris similar to other similar grapes?▼

Pinot Gris is actually the same grape as Pinot Grigio, but the Alsatian style produces richer, more complex wines compared to the lighter Italian expressions. It's also related to Pinot Noir, sharing similar genetic origins but producing white wines instead of red.