Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris: Pinot Grigio from Italy Explained

Are pinot grigio and pinot gris the same?

Yes. Pinot grigio is the Italian name and pinot gris is the French name for the same grape, which is a colour mutation of Pinot Noir. The skins are greyish-pink, which is where the names (grigio and gris, both meaning grey) come from.

On a label, the name usually tells you the style. Pinot grigio suggests a light, fresh, dry wine, while pinot gris suggests a fuller and sometimes slightly sweeter wine.

Explore: Shop pinot grigio

Where is pinot grigio from Italy grown?

Most Italian pinot grigio comes from the north-east of the country, including the Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige. Cooler sites keep the acidity high, which is why these wines taste crisp and clean.

Quality ranges from simple, fresh everyday wines to more concentrated bottles from hillside vineyards. Check the region on the label if you want more body and flavour.

What does pinot grigio taste like?

Typical Italian pinot grigio is light-bodied and dry, with flavours of green apple, pear, citrus and a hint of almond. It rarely sees oak, so the focus is on freshness rather than richness.

That neutral, refreshing profile is why it is one of the most popular white wines for easy drinking, and why it works so well chilled on a warm Australian day.

How is pinot gris different?

Pinot gris, especially from Alsace in France, tends to be richer and rounder, with notes of ripe pear, apricot, honey and spice, and sometimes a little residual sugar. It has more weight and a longer finish.

Australian producers make both styles, and a label that says pinot gris often signals the fuller version. When in doubt, check the producer notes or ask for the sweetness level.

Is pinot grigio grown in Australia?

Yes. Pinot grigio and pinot gris are grown in cooler Australian regions such as the Mornington Peninsula, the Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. Local wines can sit anywhere between the light Italian style and the richer Alsace style.

Browse the white wine range to compare local and imported bottles, and read our guide to white wine styles.

What food goes with pinot grigio?

The best matches are light, fresh dishes: grilled fish, prawns, calamari, oysters, salads, antipasto and pasta with lemon or herb sauces. The wine’s acidity refreshes the palate without overpowering the food.

Fuller pinot gris can handle roast chicken, pork and mild curries. Avoid very spicy or heavily sauced dishes, which can swamp a delicate wine.

How should you serve pinot grigio?

Serve pinot grigio well chilled, at about 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, in a medium white wine glass. Take it out of the fridge a few minutes before pouring if it is very cold, so the aromas can show.

Fuller pinot gris benefits from slightly warmer serving, around 10 to 12 degrees, which brings out the richer fruit.

Should you age pinot grigio?

Most pinot grigio is made to be enjoyed within a couple of years of the vintage, while it is bright and fresh. Cellaring does not usually improve the light Italian style.

Richer pinot gris from good sites can gain complexity over several years, but the average bottle is best opened sooner rather than later.

How do you choose a bottle of pinot grigio?

Look at the vintage, the region and the style on the label, and choose the most recent vintage for a fresh wine. Italian bottles from the north-east offer classic crispness, and Australian and Alsace pinot gris offer more weight.

See the current bottles in our pinot grigio collection. We deliver insured across Australia, and an adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.

How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?

Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.

The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.

How can you drink responsibly in Australia?

The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.

Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.