Pinot Gris
RoséPinot Gris represents one of wine's most intriguing dichotomies—capable of producing richly textured, aromatic wines of considerable depth, yet more commonly encountered as the lighter, mass-market Pinot Grigio. This color mutation of Pinot Noir offers winemakers exceptional versatility, from crisp aperitif wines to full-bodied expressions that rival light red wines in complexity.
Key Characteristics
- •Variable berry color from pink to greyish-blue
- •Medium to full body with distinctive oily texture
- •Naturally low acidity, prone to flabbiness
- •Early ripening with high sugar accumulation potential
- •Highly expressive aromatics when properly cultivated
Typical Flavors
Major Regions
Alsace · France · Northern Italy (Alto Adige · Friuli) · Oregon · USA · New Zealand · Tasmania · Australia · Germany (Baden · Pfalz) · Burgundy · France
Also Known As
Auvernat Gris (Orléanais in northern France) · Beurot · Burgunder Roter (Germany) · Friset (Franche-Comté) · Fromenteau or Fromenteau Gris (Champagne) · Grauburgunder
Overview
Origins & History
Pinot Gris is a color mutation of Pinot Noir, with grayish-pink skins rather than black. The mutation likely occurred in Burgundy centuries ago and has been documented in European vineyards since the Middle Ages. Genetically, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are identical except for the genes controlling skin color. The variety spread from Burgundy through Switzerland to Alsace, where it became an important variety by the 17th century. It also traveled to northern Italy, where as Pinot Grigio it found enormous commercial success in the late 20th century. Pinot Gris produces remarkably different wine styles depending on region and winemaking. Alsace Grand Cru wines can be rich, full-bodied, and age-worthy. Italian Pinot Grigio is typically light, crisp, and meant for early drinking. Oregon has emerged as an important New World region, producing wines that bridge these styles.
Genetic Lineage
Pinot Gris is a color mutation of Pinot Noir. They share identical DNA except for the genes controlling skin pigmentation.
Parents
Pinot Gris arose as a natural color mutation of Pinot Noir.
Clonal Selection
Origin: Alsace, France
Standard Alsace clone with good aromatic intensity and structure. Used for premium dry and late-harvest wines.
Origin: Alsace, France
Selected for Grand Cru production. Lower yields with exceptional concentration.
Origin: Italy
Italian selection adapted to crisp, fresh wine production. Higher yields with earlier ripening.
Origin: Oregon, USA
Selections adapted to Oregon's cool climate. Balance between Italian freshness and Alsatian richness.
Disease Profile
Pinot Gris ripens early to mid-season with moderate vigor. The variety is susceptible to the same mutations that affect all Pinot varieties. Skin contact time dramatically affects wine style, from pale and crisp (minimal contact) to copper-colored and rich (extended contact). The variety accumulates sugar readily and can produce high-alcohol wines if not carefully managed.
Susceptibilities
Thin skins and tight clusters make it susceptible. Can be beneficial for late-harvest wines.
Like all Pinot varieties, moderately susceptible.
Resistances
Ripens earlier than Pinot Noir, succeeding in cooler sites.
Terroir Preferences
Found in parts of Alsace Grand Cru vineyards. Produces wines with mineral intensity and elegance.
Common in Alsace and northern Italy. Produces fuller, more textural wines.
Found in Alto Adige and parts of Oregon. Produces wines with crisp acidity and mineral notes.
Common in Oregon and Friuli. Produces rounder, fruit-forward wines.
Regional Expressions
Alsace produces the richest, most full-bodied Pinot Gris in the world. Grand Cru wines can age for decades. The variety is one of Alsace's four noble grapes. Styles range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles.
Notable producers: Zind-Humbrecht, Weinbach, Marcel Deiss, Trimbach
Northern Italy produces fresh, crisp Pinot Grigio that has become enormously popular worldwide. Quality ranges from simple and refreshing to surprisingly complex. The best examples from Alto Adige rival Alsace for depth.
Notable producers: Alois Lageder, Elena Walch, Jermann, Livio Felluga
Oregon has emerged as the leading New World region for quality Pinot Gris. Wines bridge Italian freshness and Alsatian richness. Both lean, crisp styles and fuller, barrel-influenced versions are produced.
Notable producers: Eyrie, King Estate, Chehalem