Pinot Gris is a white grape variety grown in Alsace, and in Italy, where it is called Pinot Grigio. It has become an increasingly popular variety in Australia. The grape has gone from an alternative variety produced in small quantities to become mainstream over the last 10 years. There are two main styles made in Australia, there is the crisp, fresh and dry “Grigio” and a fuller bodied, textured “Gris”. It is being grown in most Australian wine regions, but it is especially suitable in the cooler regions, such as the Mornington Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley or Tasmania.

Pinot Gris is originally from Alsace region in France, where it grows well on the clay rich soils. Both dry wines as well as superb sweet late harvest wines are produced. These wines are perfumed, aromatic with beautiful crisp acid.

The best examples of Pinto Grigio come from Friuli-Venezia and the Alto Adige, where it produces elegant, and mineral wines. Pinot Gris is also grown successfully in Oregon and in New Zealand.