Pinot Gris

White

Moderate climate

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

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.

Climate

Moderate

Regions

13 regions

Color

White

Typical Structure & Aromas

Typical profile for this variety. Style varies by region, climate, and winemaking.

Structure

Body

Rounded

Sweetness

Dry

Acidity

Crisp

OakNone

Aromas

Young

lemon peach mango banana

Aged

honey ginger smoke

Explore the aroma wheel →

Where Pinot Gris grows

France

Alsace

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

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

Typical→Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Body

→

Light

Veneto

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

New Zealand

Marlborough

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

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

Richer, textured Pinot Gris with pear and spice.

Typical→Willamette Valley

Body

→

Moderate

Food Pairings

Alsatian choucroute garnie with smoked sausages and pork belly

Pan-seared foie gras with caramelized apple and brioche

Roasted pork tenderloin with honey-glazed root vegetables

Spiced lamb tagine with apricots and almonds

Thai green curry with coconut milk and jasmine rice

Grilled salmon with ginger-soy glaze and sesame vegetables

Want to try Pinot Gris? Add it to your Discoveries and tick it off when you find the right one.

Similar to Pinot Gris

Fiano

Garganega

Roussanne

Albariño

Viognier

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.