Pinot Grigio (Australia)
Australian Pinot Gris can be labeled Pinot Gris (French Type) or Pinot Grigio (Italian Type), depending on the sweetness / dryness of the wine.
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
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A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine. The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Pinot Grigio. The glass is also perfect for any other 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 wine's acidity.
You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Pinot Grigio.
Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Pinot Grigio.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
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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 Gris in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Pinot Gris is grown in the North and the South Island.
High Quality areas / regions:
Marlborough
Hawke's Bay
Map credit: New Zealand Winegrowers
In New Zealand, Pinot Gris are more like the Alsatian style.
Pinot Gris is the third most planted white grape after Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay.
Marlborough in the cooler South Island, produces wines with a great structure, with focus on pure aromatics and flavours of white peach, red apple and cinnamon.
Hawke’s Bay in the warmer climates of the North Island, produces ripe, rich, powerful and concentrated wines in a diversity of styles.
Pinot Gris in Australia
Pinot Gris was first planted in Australia in 1832 from a collection of grapes brought to the island by James Busby (the British Resident in New Zealand).
Australian Pinot Gris can be labeled Pinot Gris (French Type) or Pinot Grigio (Italian Type), depending on the sweetness / dryness of the wine.
Pinot Gris indicates a richer French style.
Pinot Grigio in Australia
Pinot Grigio indicates a lighter and more Italian style.