Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio

What is Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio Wine?

Most of us are confused.

We get told that it is the same wine from the same grape; just with a different name, dependent on the winemaker.

I struggle a bit when I see it on a wine list or in the bottle shop.

The reality is that in Australia, yes it is the same grape.

But it is not the same wine; each has a different style.

Technically, Pinot Gris is the name used for wines from the Alsace region of France whereas Pinot Grigio is the name used for wines from the Lombardy region of Italy. 

 However, in Australia, there are no rules governing the use of the names of Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio.

The convention in Australia is to use either Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio to indicate that the wine follows the French or Italian style. Sweeter or richer wine styles are typically labelled Pinot Gris whereas the drier, lighter-bodied varieties are labelled Pinot Grigio.

In brief:

Pinot Gris = French =sweeter and richer wine

Pinot Grigio = Italian = drier and lighter bodied

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