Pinot Gris (New Zealand)
New Zealand Pinot Gris is more like Alsace in style than dry Italian Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Gris Flavors
Lemon Candy, Yellow Apple, Melon, Apricot, and Plum are typical Pinot Gris flavors, followed by Honey, White Flowers, Perfume, and Spices.
 Lemon |
 Apple |
 Melon |
 Apricot |
 Plum |
 Honey |
 Flowers |
 Spices |
Pinot Gris Profile
Pinot Gris is known to be off-dry, fruity, with a balanced acidity:
| SUGAR: | Off-Dry (10 g/liter) |
| BODY: | Medium - Full |
| FRUIT: | Medium - High |
| ACIDITY: | Medium |
| ALCOHOL: | 13% ABV |
 |
Serving temperature: 6-8°C (43-46°F) |
Pinot Gris Food Pairing
Pinot Gris has a balanced intensity that pairs well with many types of food.
The perfume matches Pâté and Creamy Sauces, and the sweetness makes it well suited for both Spicy and Sweet & Sour Dishes.
 Aperitif |
 Vegetables |
 Pasta |
 Risotto |
 Pâté |
 Tapas |
 Sushi |
 Chili |
Excellent Pairings
Aperitif.Spicy Food. Indian. Thai. Mexican.
Chinese. Vietnameese.
Asian Sweat and Sour.
Full-bodied Pinot Gris
Creamy Pasta and Risotto.
Smoked Salmon.
Pâté. Foie Gras. Poultry. Pork.
Rich Veal. Lamb.
Cheeses
Hard Cheese.
Comté. Beaufort. Cantal. Gruyère.
Manchego. Pecorino. Dry Jack.
Spesialities:
In Alsace, Pinot Gris it is the preferred match to the regional pork
and potato specialty Baeckeoffe.
The Ideal Glass for Pinot Gris
|
A Tulip Shaped Glass with a slightly smaller bowl can be suitable for various dry white wine styles. It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides where acidity is less pleasant. A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold. It also helps if you hold the glass by the stem! |
Pinot Gris Cheese Pairing
Off-dry white wines (Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc) have a touch of sweetness that makes them super versatile with cheese.
- Brie and Camembert are cheeses with a creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness and acidity of Pinot Gris.
- Chèvre (Goat Cheese). A tangy and bright goat cheese is a classic with slightly sweet whites.
- Gorgonzola Dolce. Sweet wine balances the saltiness and funk of mild blue cheeses.
- Havarti and Fontina are buttery and mild cheeses that play well with the fruitiness of the wine.
- Taleggio (Washed rind cheese). The cheese funk is mellowed by the sweetness of the Pinot Gris.
- Gruyère is nutty and rich, and balance nicely with the acidity and fruitiness of Pinot Gris.
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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.