PINOT GRIGIO
Crisp, Clean, And Refreshingly Uncomplicated
Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine loved for its easygoing charm and zesty personality. Known for its bright acidity and subtle orchard fruit, it’s one of the most popular white wines in the world—especially in its Italian form. Whether served as an aperitif or with a light meal, Pinot Grigio delivers pure, refreshing pleasure.
Key Characteristics
Pinot Grigio is dry, light, and crisp, with delicate fruit flavors and a clean finish. It’s rarely oaked and is almost always bottled young to preserve freshness.
Style
Still, white
Body
Light
Acidity
High
Primary Grapes
Pinot Grigio (a mutation of Pinot Noir)
Typical Flavors
Lemon, green apple, pear, white peach, almond, wet stone
Origin & History
Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for Pinot Gris, a mutation of Pinot Noir that originated in France. While Pinot Gris in Alsace can be rich and full-bodied, the Italian style—especially from Veneto and Alto Adige—is crisp, light, and dry. Its global popularity grew in the 1990s and 2000s, becoming a go-to white for easy sipping and crowd-pleasing pairings.
How It’s Made
Pinot Grigio is typically fermented in stainless steel tanks and bottled soon after to retain freshness. There’s usually no oak aging or malolactic fermentation, keeping the wine’s acidity bright and the fruit profile clean. Some higher-end or French Pinot Gris versions may see lees aging for added texture.
Notable Regions
Pinot Grigio is made all over the world, but Italy leads in style and volume.
Italy
Veneto, Alto Adige, Friuli
Crisp, clean, and citrus-driven with subtle minerality
France
Alsace
(as Pinot Gris)
Fuller-bodied and more aromatic, sometimes off-dry
United States
California & Oregon
Fruitier and softer than European versions, often with melon and tropical notes
Germany
Baden
(as Grauburgunder)
Balanced styles with light floral aromatics and freshness
Food Pairings
Pinot Grigio’s light body and crisp finish make it ideal for delicate, fresh fare.
Appetizers
Prosciutto and melon, caprese salad, shrimp cocktail
Seafood
Grilled prawns, calamari, sole with lemon butter
Cheeses
Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, burrata
Vegetarian
Zucchini pasta, arugula salad, asparagus risotto
How to Serve It
Glassware
Standard white wine glass to focus aromatics and preserve chill
Temperature
42–48°F (6–9°C)
Storage
Best enjoyed young; store upright and chill before serving
Fun Fact
Despite its light flavor, Pinot Grigio grapes are actually grayish-blue—hence the name "Grigio", which means gray in Italian.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Pinot Grigio, from the crisp mountain styles of northern Italy to vibrant New World interpretations.
Jermann
A benchmark Friulian producer crafting elegant, structured Pinot Grigio with depth and regional character.
Kettmeir
A historic Alto Adige winery known for precise, alpine-influenced whites that highlight freshness and finesse.
Protea
A modern South African label delivering clean, fruit-driven Pinot Grigio with wide appeal and stylish presentation.
Zenato
A trusted name in Veneto producing approachable, classic Pinot Grigio with balance and everyday versatility.
Recommended Pours
Jermann - Pinot Grigio Venezia-Giulia 2022 — A refined and textured Pinot Grigio with ripe pear, almond, and a subtle mineral finish.
Kettmeir - Pinot Grigio Trentino Alto Adige 2023 — A crisp, alpine expression with green apple, citrus zest, and refreshing acidity.
Protea - Pinot Grigio 2023 — A light and lively South African Pinot Grigio with notes of melon, lemon, and a clean, zesty finish.
Zenato - Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2022 — A classic northern Italian Pinot Grigio offering fresh orchard fruit, floral hints, and easy-drinking appeal.