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Pink-skinned grape

Pinot Gris

Also known as Pinot Grigio · Grauer Burgunder · Ruländer · Grauburgunder

A grey-pink mutation of Pinot Noir, most often made as white wine. The light, dry Pinot Grigio reference and the rich Alsace reference are style poles within one variety, with many intermediate expressions.

Three clues to explore

Pear and orchard fruit

Light or broad texture

Pinot Grigio is the same grape

Aromatic palette

PearApplePeachHoney

Read the structure.

acidityMedium-low – High

LowHigh

tanninLow

LowHigh

bodyLight – Full

LightFull

alcoholMedium-low – High

LowHigh

What could you confuse it with?

Compare light examples with Melon, and rich ones with Chenin or Rhône whites. Colour and texture may reflect skin contact rather than a different grape.

Origins & family

Origin

A grey-skinned colour mutation of Pinot Noir.

Family

A colour mutation of Pinot Noir, not a crossing. Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for the same grape.

Pinot Noir Pinot Blanc

In the vineyard

Best suited to sites where maturity and freshness remain balanced. Relatively modest productivity and small bunches do not remove the need to manage rot and canopy exposure.

Growing season

Early ripening allows both light, early-picked styles and richer later-harvested wines.

Vineyard sensitivities

Grey rot and downy mildew can affect the crop.

Site & soils

Deeper, well-exposed limestone soils are one suitable setting in northern regions.

Regional expressions

Italy

Northeastern Italy

Many dry Pinot Grigio wines emphasise apple, pear and freshness; richer and skin-contact styles also occur.

Structure

Often light-medium, with firmer acidity when picked early.

At the table

8–10°C for the crisp style; warmer for ramato.

France

Alsace

Often broader and more textured, with ripe fruit, spice and smoky or honeyed development.

Structure

Medium-full to full; sweetness ranges and must be checked.

At the table

10–12°C and time in the glass.

Explore Alsace

New Zealand

Pear, apple and floral notes across dry and off-dry styles.

Structure

Generally medium-full, with texture and freshness varying by region.

At the table

Verify sweetness before matching Asian-inspired dishes.

Explore New Zealand

Cellar & service

Winemaking & development

Early picking and tank fermentation preserve a lighter style. Lees, later picking or residual sugar increase breadth; skin contact creates copper-toned ramato or more tannic orange wines.

Service & ageing

8–10°C for light styles, 10–12°C for fuller bottles. Ask about sweetness and skin contact rather than assuming either from the label language.

Pairing logic

Light wines suit seafood and salads; rich dry examples suit pork, mushrooms or poultry. Match sweeter styles with savoury-sweet dishes or gentle spice.