Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Pinot Grigio is a light and dry Italian white wine.
Refreshing as a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.
Pinot Grigio Flavors
Crispy Lemon, Apple, and Pear flavors are typical for Pinot Grigio, with hints of Minerals.
 Lemon |
 Apple |
 Pear |
 Flint |
Pinot Grigio Profile
Pinot Grigio is light, dry, and crispy:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Low |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ALCOHOL: | 11-12% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Pinot Grigio Food Pairing
Pinot Grigio pairs best with Seafood, Fried Fish, and Fried Chicken.
 Aperitif |
 Salad |
 Seafood |
 Fish |
 Pasta |
 Chicken |
 Chips |
 Soft Cheese |
Excellent Pairings
Green Salad with Lemon Acid Vinaigrette.
Seafood Antipasti.
Mussels. Garlic Prawns.
Light Salads with Crab, Shrimps, or Prawns.
Grilled or Fried White Fish. Sea Bass.
Fried Chicken. French Fries.
Simple Pasta (with Cheese). Risotto.
Italian Specialities
Insalata di Bresaola.
The Ideal Glass for Pinot Grigio
A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.
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The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Pinot Grigio.
The Riesling glass is perfect for any bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde. |
Pinot Grigio Cheese Pairing
Pinot Grigio is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the Pinot Grigio's acidity.
Try to add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
The delicate flavors of a Mozzarella pairs well with a light and fruity Pinot Grigio.
Any Ricotta type of cheese is good, especially if served with a drizzle of honey and fresh fruits.
The tanginess of a Feta Cheese will complement the subtle fruit notes of the Pinot Grigio.
Soft Cheeses
The creamy texture and mild flavors of a Brie work beautifully with Pinot Grigio.
The acidity of the Pinot Grigio will also balance the richness and saltiness of a Primo Sale.
The nutty, buttery qualities of an Italian Fontina is a god match for Pinot Grigio.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
A lightly aged Asiago can add a complementary tang to a light Pinot Grigio.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
The mild creaminess of a Italian Robiola contrasts nicely without overpowering the Pinot Grigio.
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About Pinot Gris / Grigio
Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) originates from Burgundy.
Today it is cultivated primarily in Italy and France (Alsace).
There are primarily three different types of Pinot Gris:
Light, Dry and Crispy (Italian Pinot Grigio and Australian Pinot Grigio).
Off-Dry and Aromatic (French Pinot Gris and Australian Pinot Gris).
Dry and Fruity (Something in between Italian Pinot Grigio and French Pinot Gris).
Pinot Grigio in Italy
Crispy Lemon, Apple, and Pear flavors are typical for Pinot Grigio, with hints of Minerals:
Lemon |
Apple |
Pear |
Flint |
Pinot Grigio is a light and dry white wine, refreshing as a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.
It is one of Italy's most popular white wines.
Pinot Grigio is cultivated many places in Italy, but the most prominent regions are in the northeast:
- Veneto
- Trentino
- Alto Adige
- Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Italian Pinot Grigio and French Pinot Gris use the same grapes, but the Italian wine is dry and crisp while the french is sweeter and more aromatic. The Italian grapes are harvested before they mature to reduce sugar in favor of acid.
Two distinctive style differences occur: fresh and light Italian Pinot Grigio, and rich and powerfull French Pinot Gris.
To retain the fruity and citrusy aromas, Pinot Grigio is fermented in Steel Tanks (not in oak).
The Italian Pinot Grigio is suitable for fish and light chicken dishes.
Pinot Grigio is typically dry with a light to medium body. The wine is often crisp and refreshing with high acidity.
Common characteristics include notes of green apple, pear, citrus (lemon, lime) and sometimes a hint of almond. The flavors are usually straightforward and uncomplicated.
Pinot Grigio is often produced in an easy-drinking style. While it can be high quality, it is usually designed for immediate consumption rather than aging. The best examples can exhibit more complexity and balance, but the majority are enjoyed for their freshness and lightness.