This grape is known as Pinot Gris in Alsace, and Pinot Grigio in Northern Italy, with differing styles to match. The French Pinot Gris is aromatic and rounded, whereas the Italian Pinot Grigio is bone-dry, and more lightweight and easy-drinking.
Both varieties are mildly floral and delicately fragrant with lightly lemon-citrus flavours and a hint of honey. Although these wines are much less perfumed than the related Gewürztraminer, they make up for this with full flavours such as rich pear and peach, and a spicy quality and acidity in the mouth.
The Italian Pinot Grigio is often fairly neutral, although the best are floral and honeyed. The French Pinot Gris are rich, smoky and honeyed dry whites showing the grape at its most pungent. There have been some successful versions from Oregon, USA, which are light, crisp and spicy, and Eastern Europe produces some outstanding dry or off-dry and spicy wines.
Made in an appropriate style, this is one dry white wine that may age well.
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