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
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 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
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.
