Grape Variety: Pinot Grigio
Geography: Northern Italy, Germany, Eastern Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand.
Viticulture: The Alsace region provides the ideal terroir, where conditions produce the best quality Pinot Gris.
Varietal/Blend: Sometimes blended with Riesling or produced simply as a varietal.
Flavor & Character: Whether bone dry or rich and spicy, a hint of honey lends a common characteristic.
Vinification: Although there have been some attempts to oak Pinot Gris, it doesn’t need new oak and generally, doesn’t receive it.
Style: Fairly neutral in Italy, richer and more intense in Alsace.
Body, Dry/Sweet: Italian Pinot Grigio is more lightweight and bland than its Alsace counterpart, which is more rounded and aromatic.
Notes: Pinot Gris is known as Pinot Grigio in Italy.