3 Types of Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is quite the mystery. So much so that most people assume that it is nothing more than a mere zippy mouth moisturizer when in fact it is much more than that. We have compiled a detailed yet concise guide of the Pinot Grigio including some surprising facts and the three main types of Pinot Grigio you’ll find on the market, and which would appease any sommelier.
There are three main types of Pinot Grigio. These include:
- Fruity & Dry
- Minerally & Dry
- Fruity & Sweet
Pinot Grigio Basics
Pinot Grigio is a dry wine that is known for its inherently opulent texture and high acidity. Its flavor ranges from melon to pear with distinct components of apple, lemon-lime, peach, and apricot. There are also hallmark scents of baking spices, almond and honeysuckle and occasional vaguely nutty, smoky and vanilla aromas that suggest the presence of fine oak wood.
Fruity & Dry
The fruity and dry Pinot Gris is a fruit driven style of Pinot Gris with delicate aromas of white peach, lemon, and yellow apple It has an oilier textured mouthfeel and less intense acidity that comes about as a result of Malolactic fermentation. Where winemakers add a special type of bacteria after the alcohol fermentation that eats up sharp acids and produces smooth acids instead.
Where to find This Style
You can find the fruity and dry Pinot Grigio in:
- Australia
- California
- Argentina
- Italy
- Oregon
- Washington
- Chile
- New Zealand
What to Look for on the Label
- Whether its aged on the lees.
- Whether there’s use of malolactic fermentation.
- Whether it’s produced in neutral barrels or steel tanks.
Minerally & Dry
This is probably one of the most famous styles of Port Grigio in the world. Produced in the northern mountainous parts of Italy, this Port Grigio is abuzz with exceptionally dry whites that pair magnificently with French fries, mussels and the hot summer. It is loved for among many things its simplicity, saline quality and lack of fruit.
Where to Find this Style
You’ll normally find the minerally and dry Pinot Grigio in cooler regions such as:
What to Look for on the Label
- The malolactic fermentation
- The amount of alcohol. (It should ideally be between 10 to 12.5% ABV).
- Whether it’s produced in stainless steel tanks.
Fruity & Sweet
The fruity and sweet Pinot Grigio is a tried and tested style of Pinot Grigio that has its roots in an intensely sweet white wine called Tokaji. For centuries, Alsace attempted to recreate the Tokaji wine which was the Kings in Transylvania and the Ottoman empire forte.
Fast forward to present times and you have the fruity and sweet Pinot Grigio with aromas hinting of honeycomb, sweet lemon candy, and honey crisp apples.
Seek Out This Style
The fruity and sweet Pinot Grigio comes in two variations. The less sweet variation which consists of the Pinot Gris and Grand Cru Pinot Gris and the very sweet variation that consists of the Selection de Grains Nobles and the Vendage Tardives.
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