Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are in fact the same grape varietals but there are slight differences in the process of wine making. Pinot Gris is the French sister of Italian Pinot Grigio. They both thrive in the cool to moderate climates.

Pinot Gris grows in Alsace, France and although it is considered as a white grape, it has a light purple skin with ethereal greyish blue hue. Because if their later harvest French Pinot Gris are usually rich and fuller bodied, leaving an oily mouthfeel. This one pairs up well with roast meats, fatty pâtés, creamy pasta dishes such as Fettuccine  Boscaiola or Alfredo. 

Italian Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is usually harvested earlier than its French sister and hence has a lighter body, crispier and dryer structure with flavours that are not complex at all. It is lower in alcohol and less sweet due to the early harvest. Pinot Grigio is definitely one of the easiest drinking white wines.