Pinot Gris Wine Grape

This relative of Pinot Noir is named for its grey-skinned appearance, “Gris” translating to grey in French. While it originated in Burgundy, France, Pinot Gris has since been widely planted in Italy (where they refer to it as Pinot Grigio) and produces some of the world’s best representations of the grape. Pinot Gris also makes up the largest percentage of grapes grown in the Willamette Valley, after Pinot Noir. Due to its grey/ashen pink colored skin, this grape has the ability to make a range from white wine to dark pink wine, depending on the amount of time the winemaker chooses to leave the skins in the fermentation.

Pinot Gris is a low-acidity grape, and is therefore best grown in cooler climates where better acid-retention is possible. The grape is relatively neutral and produces wine in a wide variety of styles. Peach, lemon and crushed gravel notes express themselves in the white wine from this grape. A fantastic year-round beverage that can be paired with an array of dishes!