Is there any real difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris wines?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Considering for the moment all the examples of wines labelled with the two names - if that's possible - I would say that you could expect a difference in personalities and taste profiles. Sometimes this can be substantial. Pinot Grigio is simply Italian for Pinot Gris, of course, but wines with the Italian version are produced in many countries today to capitalize on the commercial success of the original. If we look at the overwhelming volume of inexpensive Pinot Grigio, the style will be light, simple and often lacking pronounced taste characteristics. There are also superior (and more expensive) versions from Italy's northeastern regions which offer greater dimension and substance. As for Pinot Gris, the benchmark is Alsace in France, where the grape can produce rich wines with considerable depth and weight, far more than is generally true elsewhere. You might not even think, tasting a top Alsace Pinot Gris alongside a basic Pinot Grigio, that they were made from the same grape! There is a tendency for wineries in other countries to opt for Gris rather than Grigio when the style is closer to Alsace. That said, it really depends on the producer and their perception of how to market their own wine. So with wine, as soon as you try to make a universal claim, you have to recognize the exceptions!
