Pinot Gris(Gree) vs. Pinot Grigio(Gree-zhee-oh): What's the difference?
Pinot Gris/Grigio is celebrated the 17th of May every year! Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio, a common misconception in the wine world that they are two different grapes, but they are the same grape! Pinot Gris, which originated in France and is what the grape is called, where as Pinot Grigio is Italian. Gris, yes the "S" is silent, in French means, grey and is supposed to represent the dustiness the grapes can pick up on the skin of the grapes. Pinot Grigio, being Italian, also meaning grey, is grown usually Northern Italy, in areas like the Delle Venezie, and Trentino-Alto Adige/Süditrol.
Different Shades of the Pinot Gris grape
Pinot Gris is known as a pink-skinned mutation of Pinot Noir and can easily be mistaken in the vineyard until veraison(veh-ray-zohN) happens. In short, veraison is when grapes start to ripen and turn red. Pinot Gris can also even be an orangish to pink, to even a pale red color, all depending on when the grapes are picked!
Flavor aromas of Pinot Gris/Grigio
Although the two names are technically synonyms, each has been associated with a particular style of wine. While the French term, Pinot Gris is used to identify the type of wine produced in the Alsace region of France, it is also frequently used in Oregon which has had huge success since the introduction of it in the mid-1960s and has found some claim in New Zealand as well. The style of cool-climate Pinot Gris has medium-plus acidity, medium to full body, and aromas of apple to pear notes, and almond character, and sometimes a moderate amount of residual sugar. This is also the style that is found in Germany, where the grape is also known as Rulander or Grauburgunder.
Pinot Grigio is the more recognizable name among consumers, having become a popular Chardonnay alternative after it was introduced in the US market from Northeastern Italy in the late 1970s. Its variety in California and Australia, as well as more expansive plantings in Italy, which is the best out of the three, in my opinion. Pinot Grigios from the warmer regions of California and Australia typically display medium (-) acidity and higher alcohol than those grown in the cooler regions such as Alto-Adige or Veneto of Italy. Wines labeled Pinot Grigio are normally dry and often neutral and unoaked although some versions can be aromatic, and lees aged. Look for flavors of apple-peach, lemon and even a distinct minerality tone, especially in the Italian ones.
Famous Regions for Pinot Gris/Grigio
Some of the best Pinot Gris you can find is in a cooler viticulture area. Warmer viticulture Pinot Grigio tends to lack too much acidity and is sometimes too alcoholic. Europe's showcase examples come from vineyards on either side of the Rhine river, from Baden and Pfalz in Germany and, particularly, the Alsace region in France, which is one of four noble grapes in this area. In these regions, the wines are made in varying levels of sweetness, from bone dry to lusciously sweet. A Pinot Gris Selection de Grains Nobles from Alsace is one of the sweetest, most intensely flavored wines on earth.
The Pinot Grigio wines of Trentino-Alto Adige/Süditrolin northern Italy can certainly contradict the notion that all wines with "Grigio" on the label are light and simple and that is just not true! The best Pinot Grigio comes from Northern Italy. Pinot Grigio is most commonly described as a lean and crisp dry white with relatively high acidity that adds a spritzy sensation, complemented by aromas of lemon, lime, green apple and blossoms.
The United States and even parts in the Southern Hemisphere are making an impact on this grape, where Oregon definitely leads the way and is their most planted white grape in the state, and even states like California and Washington are important too. In New Zealand, they do a grow a bit of this grape as well, it is their third most planted grape, but only counts for about 6 percent of national wine production in New Zealand.
Food Pairings and Conclusion
Having two different styles of this grape, it is very versatile, but lean more towards seafood based dishes, poultry such as chicken or turkey, or even duck or and different cuts of lamb will work well.
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