Pinot Grigio
Definition - What does Pinot Grigio mean?
In the context of grape varietals, Pinot Grigio is the Italian name for a species of vitis vinifera, a white wine varietal and a clone of Pinot Gris, that is grown in Italy. The vine was cloned for better growth and yield in Germany after low yields and unreliable harvests made the grape less popular in France during the 18th century. After the vine was cloned, it became recognized as a hearty white wine grape varietal and was planted throughout Europe and in other wine growing countries, including: Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Pinot Gris is very similar to the Pinot Noir grape, however, a mutation occurred giving Pinot Gris its more dramatic colors, Pinot Gris can range in hue from grayish-blue to pink, to yellow or light orange.
WineFrog explains Pinot Grigio
Understanding the characteristics of the Pinot Grigio white wine grape varietal will help you to understand the aroma and taste the flavors of wines made with Pinot Grigio in Italy. The Pinot Grigio vine is planted throughout Italy in many different regions, including; Friuli-Venezi Giulia, Alto Adige, Oltrepo Pavese and Lombardy. Italian Pinot Grigio is well known for being a lean, light bodied wine with crisp acidity and lively flavors. The pinot grigio grown in the mountainous, cooler regions of Italy are known for their dryness and minerality.
Pinot Grigio is often drunk as a very young wine and can be available in just a few months after fermentation.
