What is Pinot Grigio?
Pinot Grigio is a light, dry white wine, best known from northern Italy, that tastes crisp and refreshing with lemon, green apple and pear and almost no oak.
Pinot Grigio is the easygoing white: light, cold and never in your face. It's the same grape as Pinot Gris. The Italian name usually signals the crisp, zippy style, and the French name a rounder, richer one.
- Tastes like
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear, a hint of almond
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Where it's from
- Northern Italy; also Oregon and California
- Price range
- About $8–25
- Serve at
- Fridge cold, 40–45°F
- Bodylight → big
- Sweetnessdry → sweet
- Zingsoft → zippy
What Pinot Grigio tastes like
Light citrus, crunchy green apple, a little pear, and sometimes a faint bitter-almond aftertaste. It's delicate, so it won't knock you over with flavor. That's the point: it's refreshing, not a statement.
Where it comes from
Most Pinot Grigio on US shelves comes from northern Italy, especially Veneto, Friuli and Alto Adige. The same grape grown in Alsace, France, or Oregon usually goes by Pinot Gris and tastes riper and fuller, with more stone fruit and spice.
How to pick a bottle
Cheap Pinot Grigio can taste a bit like cold water with lemon. Spending a few more dollars helps. Look for 'Alto Adige' or 'Friuli' on Italian labels for more flavor and a crisp, stony edge.
Want something with a bit more body for dinner? Grab a bottle labelled Pinot Gris instead. It's the same grape, just a richer style.
What to eat with it
Light, fresh food: shrimp, white fish, salads, sushi, bruschetta, lemony pasta. It's also an easy patio wine with snacks, and a safe white for people who find Sauvignon Blanc too sharp.
Pinot Grigio to try
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
about $23Pinot GrigioIt's fine
The famous one. Clean and polished, though you pay for the name.
Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio
about $10Pinot GrigioGood buy
Light, lemony and cheap. Does the job on a hot day.
Cavit Pinot Grigio
about $9Pinot Grigio
A simple, crisp, everywhere bottle. Also comes in a big 1.5L for parties.
Kris Pinot Grigio
about $13Pinot Grigio
A little more flavor and texture than the bargain brands.
Keep reading
- What is dry white wine?
- Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: what's the difference?
- Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris: what's the difference?
- Chardonnay vs Pinot Grigio: what's the difference?
- What wine goes with shrimp?
Last checked 2026-10-11.