PINOT GRIS
Ripe Fruit, Round Texture, and a Touch of Spice
Pinot Gris is a white grape variety with grayish-pink skins, producing wines that range from crisp and mineral to rich and full-bodied. Though genetically identical to Pinot Grigio, the Gris expression is fuller, more aromatic, and typically more complex—often associated with Alsace and select New World regions.
Key Characteristics
Pinot Gris tends to show ripe orchard fruit, moderate acidity, and a weightier, sometimes oily texture.
Style
White
Body
Medium
Acidity
Medium
Primary Grapes
Pinot Gris (same variety as Pinot Grigio)
Typical Flavors
Pear, baked apple, honeysuckle, ginger, almond, spice
Origin & History
Pinot Gris likely originated in Burgundy but became most renowned in Alsace, France, where it’s made in a fuller-bodied style. It also has a long-standing presence in Germany (as Grauburgunder) and has flourished in cooler New World regions, where it expresses both freshness and depth.
How It’s Made
Typically fermented in stainless steel, though some producers use large oak barrels for added roundness. In Alsace, late harvest and botrytized (noble rot) styles are also produced, adding richness and sweetness. Skin-contact and natural styles are increasingly popular.
Notable Regions
Pinot Gris thrives in cool-to-temperate climates that preserve acidity while allowing full ripening. Pinot Gris finds its fullest expression in Alsace but also thrives in New World regions seeking aromatic complexity and texture.
France
Alsace
Richer, spicier, and often slightly off-dry or sweet.
Germany
Baden, Pfalz (as Grauburgunder)
Typically dry and elegant with bright minerality.
United States
Oregon, California
Often ripe and floral, ranging from lean to creamy.
New Zealand
Fresh, fruit-forward expressions with good weight.
Food Pairings
Pinot Gris’s balance of fruit, texture, and spice makes it ideal for a wide range of dishes.
Appetizers
Charcuterie, spiced nuts, pâté
Poultry & Pork
Roast chicken, pork loin with apples, duck with ginger glaze
Seafood
Seared scallops, crab cakes, mussels in cream
Cheeses
Brie, Comté, fontina
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass with a slightly rounded bowl
Temperature
48–52°F (9–11°C)
Storage
Upright, cool, and dark; drink fresh or age top examples 3–7 years
Fun Fact
Pinot Gris grapes have a pinkish-gray skin tone—often giving the wine a golden or copper hue, especially in skin-contact or natural styles.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Pinot Gris and Alsace whites, blending purity, texture, and regional character from France to California.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
A biodynamic Alsace estate renowned for powerful, terroir-expressive wines like their mineral-rich Roche Calcaire Pinot Gris.
J Vineyards & Winery
A leading California producer crafting crisp, approachable Pinot Gris that emphasizes fresh fruit and vibrant acidity.
Kuentz-Bas
A historic Alsace domaine known for elegant, aromatic whites that highlight the region’s classic blending traditions and natural expression.
Trimbach
One of Alsace’s most iconic names, producing dry, structured Pinot Gris and Rieslings with precision and aging potential.
Recommended Pours
Domaine Zind Humbrecht - Pinot Gris Roche Calcaire 2021 — A precise and textural Alsace Pinot Gris with ripe pear, smoky minerality, and balanced richness.
J Vineyards & Winery - Pinot Gris Sonoma County 2021 — A fresh and fruit-forward California Pinot Gris with citrus, melon, and a crisp, clean finish.
Kuentz-Bas - Vin D'Alsace, 2021 — A vibrant Alsace white blend with orchard fruit, floral lift, and a lively, mineral-driven palate.
Trimbach - Pinot Gris Alsace Réserve 2017 — A structured and dry-style Pinot Gris offering stone fruit, spice, and elegant depth with aging potential.