Chardonnay vs Pinot Grigio: what's the difference?
Chardonnay is fuller and richer, often with butter and vanilla from oak, while Pinot Grigio is light, crisp and delicate, so pick Chardonnay for creamy or roasted food and Pinot Grigio for light meals and easy afternoon sipping.
If whites were milk, Chardonnay would be whole and Pinot Grigio would be skim. Both are dry, both are everywhere, and both have fans who swear by them. Which one you want mostly depends on how much weight you want in the glass.
Side by side
When to pick Chardonnay
Pick Chardonnay when you want a white with some richness, or dinner is creamy, buttery or roasted.
Josh Cellars Chardonnay
about $14ChardonnayGood buy
Medium-bodied with a light touch of oak. A good middle ground if full-on butter is too much.
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
about $22ChardonnayDrink this one
Rich but balanced with bright acidity. Worth the step up for lobster or a nice roast chicken.
When to pick Pinot Grigio
Pick Pinot Grigio when you want something light that will not compete with the food or the conversation.
Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio
about $10Pinot GrigioGood buy
Fresh and lemony for about ten bucks. Exactly what Pinot Grigio is supposed to be.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
about $23Pinot GrigioIt's fine
Crisper and more polished. The bottle to bring when you want the label to do some talking.
Keep reading
- What is Chardonnay?
- What is Pinot Grigio?
- Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc: what's the difference?
- Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: what's the difference?
- Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris: what's the difference?
- What wine goes with shrimp?
Last checked 2026-10-04.