Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same wine that is famous for its refreshing citrus flavour and zesty acidity. The grape has had cultural significance in both Italy and France, where it is called Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris respectively. It is a white grape variety, thought to be a mutation of the red grape Pinot Noir. Its skin is not green like other white grapes, but instead has a greyish purple hue, which is what gives it its name. In general, the Alsatian Pinot Gris wines are full bodied with spicy flavour while Italian Pinot Grigio wines are more acidic.

The Alsatian style is often duplicated in New World wine regions such as Marlborough, Tasmania, South Australia, Washington, Oregon, and South Africa tend to have moderate acidity, higher alcohol levels and an almost oily texture that contributes to the full-bodied nature of the wine.