Some say that there are two faces to this grape variety. One is uninspiring; tastes clean, and neutral and mostly comes from Italy. There are of course exceptions, mainly from the northern regions like Trention and Alto-Adige. They show fresh citrus, pear, almond. When you're looking to experience this region and wine pick a more expensive wine.

The other face of this grape variety with distinct character is called Pino Gris and comes from Alsace, France. It can be rich and exotic, unoaked with smoky undertones, with spicy pungency similar to a Gewurztraminer, carrying fruit flavours of orange, peach and apple. It can be a full-bodied wine with buttery texture and tastes of honey.

Similar to Gewurztraminer, its acidity is low and you may find examples that are a too sugary and not have enough acidity to make a good balanced wine.

Other regions that make good Pinot Gris/Grigio are in New Zealand and Oregon in USA.







 

When tasting, make sure the wine is chilled.






 

Some of the good producers from the Alsace region are: Zind-Humbrecht, Beyer, Schlumberger, Kreydenweiss, Albrecht.

References: Susy Atkins. "Wine Wisdom: a complete wine-tasting course", Quadrille Publishing Limited, 2004.

Stuart Walton. "The World Encyclopedia of Wine", Lorenz Books, 1999.

TASTING NOTES
Italian Pinot Grigio: it can look pale, slightly green, shows aromas of crisp lemons and pears and possibly almonds. Flavour should be citrus, and almost creamy not too watered down. Finish should be refreshing, tangy.
Alsace Pinot Gris: should look more golden and thicker. This wine should be more aromatic and complex with exotic fruits like apricots and tones of spice, smoke, and cream. Flavours should be balanced well with good acidity, a fresh zing. Also look for fruit flavours such as oranges, peaches and apples with a hint of spice. All around a nice rich texture. Finish should be complex and not flat, it should leave you with a lingering richness.