Episode 105: Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris - A Level 2 Wine Student's Guide to Why the Same Grape Tastes So Different

Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:05 Release Date: April 2, 2025

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Episode Description

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape, but you would never guess it from tasting them side by side. In this episode, Joanne takes a deep dive into one of the most widely planted and widely misunderstood white grapes in the world, covering everything from its origins in Burgundy to why it tastes so completely different depending on where it is grown.

This episode is part of an ongoing Level 2 grape series and sets the stage for the upcoming Alsace episodes. Whether you are studying for your WSET Level 2 or just curious about why your grocery store Pinot Grigio tastes nothing like a bottle from Alsace, this episode will give you a clear picture of what is really going on in the glass.

Joanne walks through the two core styles of the grape, what drives those differences, and why Italy saw a 400% increase in Pinot Grigio plantings between 1990 and 2015. She also makes a case for why this grape deserves more credit than it typically gets.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

The Pinot Family

• Origins of the Pinot family in 14th century Burgundy
• Why the grape is called Pinot, from the French word for pine cone, reflecting the shape of the bunches
• How Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc are related and how to tell them apart visually
• The name across different countries - Pinot Grigio in Italy, Pinot Gris in France, Grauburgunder in Germany

Climate and Winemaking

• Why Pinot Gris is best suited to cool to moderate climates
• Why it is almost always fermented in inert vessels with no oak contact
• How yield and ripeness level drive the two core styles

Italy - Pinot Grigio

• The Veneto region and why it dominates high-volume production
• How yields of up to 200 hectoliters per hectare affect the style
• The light, fresh style - aromas of apple and lemon, high acidity, short neutral finish
• The two regions to know for WSET Level 2: delle Venezie DOC and Veneto IGT
• Why global demand shifted dramatically toward this style over the past few decades
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia as a region producing more complex, fuller-bodied expressions

France - Pinot Gris

• Why Alsace produces the most distinctive expressions of Pinot Gris outside of Burgundy
• The richer, fuller-bodied style with lower acidity and flavours of peach, mango, and spice
• Sweetness levels and the ability to age

Episode Highlights and Quotes

"The same grape can have two very different styles. In Italy it is more light and fresh with apple and lemon. In France you have this rich, complex style with fuller body and the ability to age."

"When you have a lot of grapes from a vine, you are diluting that concentration and the resulting wine is going to have lighter body."

"It is a bit of a shame that it has gotten this reputation for being inexpensive and light. There are some wines from Italy made from Pinot Grigio that are outstandingly delicious."

Quick Reference - Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris Italy (Veneto) France (Alsace) Name Pinot Grigio Pinot Gris Body Light Full Acidity High Medium Aromas Apple, lemon Peach, mango, spice, ginger Oak None None Sweetness Dry Dry to medium sweet Ageing potential Drink young Can age Resources Mentioned

• Delle Venezie DOC, Italy
• Veneto IGT, Italy
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
• Alsace, France
• WSET Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3

Coming Up Next

Episode 106: The History of Alsace Joanne kicks off a two-part series on Alsace, starting with the history of this unique and fascinating region.

Episode 107: Alsace for Level 2 Students The second Alsace episode brings it back to the WSET Level 2 syllabus. If you picked up a bottle of Alsace Pinot Gris after this episode, you will want to have it ready.

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About Wine Educate

Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.

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Episode 105 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate