Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is a white wine grape variety that traces its origins to Burgundy, France. Genetically, it is a color mutation of Pinot Noir, which explains both its close relationship to that noble red grape and its distinctive grayish-blue to pinkish-gray skins. That unusual skin color is the source of the name and the reason the grape can produce wines ranging from very pale to subtly copper-tinted, depending on winemaking choices.

Historically, Burgundy is regarded as the birthplace of Pinot Gris, from where the grape spread across Europe. It found especially strong expression in Alsace, where it became known as Pinot Gris and developed a reputation for producing rich, structured, and often spicy wines. In Italy, the grape took on the name Pinot Grigio and evolved into a very different stylistic identity—lighter, crisper, and more immediately refreshing.

The name “Pinot” comes from the French word for pine cone, a reference to the tight, conical shape of the grape clusters. “Gris” and “Grigio” both mean gray, describing the grape’s distinctive skin color, which sets it apart from most white varieties.

Today, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris is widely cultivated. In France, Alsace remains the most important region, producing full-bodied wines with depth and aging potential. In Italy, particularly in Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige, Pinot Grigio is one of the country’s most popular white wines, known for its clean, dry, and refreshing style. Germany grows the grape under the name Grauburgunder, often striking a balance between richness and freshness. Beyond Europe, the grape is well established in the United States, especially in California, Oregon, and Washington, where styles range from light and zesty to textured and complex.

In the vineyard, Pinot Grigio produces small, tightly packed clusters of round berries and requires careful management, as it is susceptible to disease. In the glass, the wines typically show aromas and flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, and stone fruit, sometimes layered with floral or spicy notes. Acidity is usually bright and refreshing, while body can vary significantly—from the light, easygoing Italian style to the fuller, more opulent expressions found in Alsace.

Overall, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris is a remarkably versatile grape, capable of expressing terroir and winemaking philosophy with unusual clarity. Its wide stylistic range is a big part of why it remains one of the most widely enjoyed white grape varieties in the world.