Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris, called Pinot Grigio in Italy and Grauburgunder in Germany, is a white member of the Pinot family. Despite its grey-pink to reddish berries, it usually produces white wines with pear, apple, citrus, melon, nutty notes and gentle spice. Pinot Grigio is the Italian name, Grauburgunder is used in German-speaking regions, and Pinot Gris is the common international and French form.

The grape changes style dramatically by region. Pinot Grigio is often light and crisp, Pinot Gris can be richer and more textured, and Grauburgunder often sits between freshness and food-friendly substance. Key regions include Alsace, northern Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many cooler wine areas worldwide.

What does Pinot Gris taste like?

Pinot Gris commonly shows pear, yellow apple, lemon, melon, quince, white flowers and subtle spice. Depending on ripeness and winemaking, it may also bring almond, hazelnut, honey, smoke, herbs or a creamy lees note.

The palate ranges from light, crisp and linear to full-bodied, rounded and textured. Acidity is usually moderate to lively, while oak, lees ageing or a touch of residual sugar can make the wine broader and softer.

Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio and Grauburgunder: where is it grown?

Pinot Gris is a mutation of Pinot Noir and belongs to the historic Burgundy Pinot family. Over time it spread across Europe and gained different names: Pinot Gris in France, Pinot Grigio in Italy, Grauburgunder or Ruländer in Germany.

Today it is especially important in Alsace, northern Italy and Germany, with strong examples also from Austria, Switzerland, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia and other cool to moderate regions. Its global success comes from its flexibility and approachable flavour profile.

Which Pinot Gris styles are there?

Pinot Grigio usually means a pale, dry, crisp white wine with citrus, apple and straightforward freshness. German Grauburgunder tends to be juicier, a little fuller and often more suited to food.

Alsace Pinot Gris can be richer, deeper-coloured, spicy and sometimes off-dry. The grape also works for skin-contact orange wines, fuller oak-aged whites and occasional sweet wines when conditions allow.


What food pairs with Pinot Gris?

Crisp Pinot Grigio is excellent with antipasti, salads, fish, seafood, vegetable dishes and mild goat cheese. Dry Grauburgunder suits asparagus, poultry, pork tenderloin, creamy pasta, mushroom risotto and pan-fried fish.

Richer Pinot Gris styles can handle veal, poultry in cream sauce, pumpkin, lightly spiced Asian dishes and soft cheeses. Match the dish to the weight of the wine: lighter styles for lighter food, fuller styles for richer plates.

Buy Pinot Gris wine online

Pinot Gris is one of the most useful white grapes for everyday drinking and food pairing. It can be fresh and easy, but also textured, spicy and serious.

Choose Pinot Grigio for crisp refreshment, Grauburgunder for balanced food-friendly whites or Pinot Gris for richer depth. Browse our selection and find the style that fits your table.




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