Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Pinot Grigio Vs Pinot Gri

Pinot Gri and Pinot Grigio are, in fact, the same grape! Pinot Gris/Grigio is one of those wonderful grapes that can be found all over the world and can express itself in a variety of wines of different flavors, scents, styles.

When we talk about wine style, we're referring to the overall character and sensory profile of a wine—how it looks, smells, tastes, and feels. Wine styles are influenced by grape variety, region, winemaking techniques, and aging.

Pinot Gris is a white wine grape variety known for its versatility, producing wines that range from light and zesty to rich and full-bodied, depending on where and how it's made.

Here’s a closer look at the style and characteristics of Pinot Gris:

�� Pinot Gris at a Glance

Attribute	Details
Grape Origin	Mutation of Pinot Noir; originally from Burgundy, France
Color	Pinkish-gray skin (hence “gris,” meaning “gray” in French)
Primary Flavors	White peach, lemon zest, cantaloupe, green apple, almond, spice
Body	Medium to full-bodied
Acidity	Medium to high
Alcohol	Moderate to high (12.5–14%)
Sweetness	Typically dry to off-dry; some late-harvest styles are sweet
Texture	Can be oily or creamy, especially in Alsatian styles
Aging Potential	Best young, though richer styles can age a few years

Pinot Grigio is a popular white wine known for its light, crisp, and refreshing style. It’s made from the same grape as Pinot Gris, but the name “Grigio” typically refers to the Italian style of winemaking, which emphasizes freshness and acidity.

�� Pinot Grigio: Key Characteristics

Attribute	Details
Origin	Italy (notably Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige)
Color	Pale straw to light gold
Body	Light-bodied
Acidity	High
Alcohol	Moderate (11–12.5%)
Sweetness	Typically dry, though some off-dry versions exist
Flavor Profile	Lemon, lime, green apple, pear, white peach, almond, saline minerality
Texture	Crisp, clean, and zesty

Pinot Grigio with Italy being the most prominent. Other major producers include the United States, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile, Pinot Gri can be found in all these counties in North America British Columbia's Okanagan is a major producer

What does make a difference is where the grapes are gown climate and soil conditions change the flavours., the style. So a produce may label accordingly.

The Niagara Peninsula produces Pinot Gris, wines here often showcase bright acidity, stone fruit flavors, and a delicate floral character thanks to the region’s limestone-rich soils and lake-moderated climate. Pinot Gri is also produced in Prince Edward County as is Pinot Grigio.

Pinot Gri has a much higher production in Ontario than Pinot Grigio

Bear River Vineyards: One of the few producers in Nova Scotia growing vinifera varieties like Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. The vineyard benefits from a warm, sheltered microclimate that supports these more delicate grapes.

Alderlea Vineyards BC 2024 Pinot Gris awarded Double Gold at the All Canadians.

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery BC 2024 Pinot Grigio awarded Double Gold at the All Canadians.

At the Nationals:

Huff Estates 2023 Buried Vine Pinot Gris, Prince Edward County, Ontario
Roche Wines 2023 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

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