Much of the confusion over Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio is due to the fact it is commonly known in Northern Italy as Pinot Grigio and in Alsace France as Pinot Gris. However, all are produced from the same grape variety which is closely related to Pinot Noir.
Pinot Gris is capable of making myriad styles from bone dry to intensely sweet, depending on when it is harvested and how the winemaker likes to work.
Wines labelled Pinot Gris are likely to be richer and fuller bodied, similar to the Alsatian style. They are revered for their ripe fruit flavour, full body and length of palate. Often pear, anise and honeysuckle are the flavours to watch for.
Pinot Grigio is generally lighter in style without the richness and length of the Gris, however the two styles are coming closer together with the Italians making their wines (grigio's) much fuller than traditional styles, probably because of the demand from the American market.
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