Pinot Grigio: our top finds of a great classic for 2025

Top 10 best Pinot Grigio wines for a perfect start

In the table above, you’ll find some good Pinot Grigio recommendations , an international selection that highlights the freshness and versatility of this varietal. These best rated Pinot Grigio of 2025 cover a range of styles, from crisp alpine expressions to fruity coastal bottles.

Not just grey:  Pinot Grigio wine taste at a glance

Attribute	Details
Grape Variety	Pinot Grigio/Gris
Origin	Burgundy
Serving Temperature	46-54 °F
Decanting	Not necessary. Best served chilled directly from the bottle
Aging Potential	Generally best consumed within 1-3 years, though some high-quality Alsace or Italian examples can age up to 5-7 years
Flavor Profile	Citrus, green apple, pear, white peach, melon. Floral hints. Mineral/flinty notes. Sometimes herbal or almond undertones
Structure	Light to medium body, crisp acidity and moderate alcohol
Alcohol Content	Typically 11-13.5% ABV
Ideal Glass	Standard white wine glass with a tulip shape
Food Pairing	Seafood, shellfish, light pasta dishes, salads, grilled chicken, fresh cheeses, mild Asian cuisine
Top Regions	Alto Adige and Friuli (Italy), Alsace (France), Marlborough (New Zealand), Oregon (USA)
Notable Producers	Santa Margherita, Livio Felluga, Jermann, Alois Lageder, Trimbach, Zind-Humbrecht

With so many white wines to choose from, it’s easy to overlook Pinot Grigio. But the Pinot Grigio wine taste, fresh, crisp, and subtly complex, has made it a global favorite.

So, what exactly does Pinot Grigio white wine taste like? Let’s break it down:

• Citrus & green fruits: bright notes of lemon, lime, green apple, and sometimes grapefruit bring refreshing acidity.
• Pear & stone fruit: ripe pear, white peach, or melon often show up, especially in warmer growing regions.
• Floral hints: gentle aromas of white blossom or acacia add a delicate touch.
• Minerality: crisp, flinty or even slightly saline notes reflect the terroir, particularly in Northern Italy.
• Light herbs or almonds: some styles reveal a subtle herbal edge or a soft note of bitter almond.

Back to the roots: what is Pinot Grigio?

It’s time to go a little deeper: what is Pinot Grigio? Pinot Grigio is a white wine made from a greyish-pink grape, hence the name Grigio, meaning “grey” in Italian. Though it’s genetically identical to France’s Pinot Gris, regional winemaking styles give it different personalities. The grape is a natural mutation of Pinot Noir and is known for producing fresh wines with a good acidity.

Step-by-step: how is Pinot Grigio made?

The production typically involves quick pressing of the grapes to avoid color extraction, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Most versions skip oak aging to preserve freshness. 

Here’s what you should know:

• Grape variety: Pinot Grigio (aka Pinot Gris), a mutation of Pinot Noir with grey-pink skin.
• Origin: originally from Burgundy, but famous in Northern Italy, U.S. and New Zealand.
• Production method: quick pressing, stainless steel fermentation, no oak.
• Typical flavor: citrus, green apple, pear; some styles add peach, floral notes, or a touch of almond.
• Regional styles:
  Italy: light, dry, mineral, crisp.
  France (Alsace): richer, rounder, sometimes off-dry.
  U.S./Australia/NZ: from bright and zesty to soft and fruity.

The many shades of the Pinot Gris grape

The Pinot Gris grape variety has a few surprises up its sleeve. From copper-hued rosés to amber-toned naturals, Pinot Grigio isn’t afraid to break the mold. Here’s a quick look at its lesser-known sides:

• Red (well, not really)
  There’s no such thing as a true Pinot Grigio red wine, but you might find it blended with Pinot Noir to soften acidity or lighten up a red. It’s not common, but it’s out there.
• Orange wine
  Pinot Grigio orange wine is what happens when the juice stays in touch with the Pinot Grigio grapes skin a little longer. The result? A bold, amber-colored wine with grip, spice, and serious personality.
• Ramato
  This old school Italian style (mostly from Friuli) means coppery. Think of it as a rosé with a twist: subtle tannins, a silky texture, and a color that catches the light just right.
• Rosé
  Pinot Grigio can also produce delicate rosé wines, light pink in color with crisp acidity and fresh berry notes. These rosés are often confused with ramato but while both share a pinkish hue, the rosé is typically lighter and fruitier.

And yes, there’s bubbly too! Pinot Grigio sparkling wine brings the grape’s natural freshness into a fizzy, festive format. Perfect for aperitivo hour, weekend brunch, or any time that needs a little sparkle.

Non alcoholic Pinot Grigio wine: all the taste, none of the alcohol

Wine and alcohol usually go hand in hand. Pinot Grigio ABV typically sits around 12%. 

But for those who love the fresh, crisp taste without the buzz, non alcoholic Pinot Grigio wine offers a great alternative. 

Using gentle dealcoholization, these wines keep the bright fruit flavors and zesty finish, perfect for anyone wanting all the fun of wine with none of the alcohol.

Top Pinot Grigio brands: best bottles from around the world

From Italy’s refreshing whites to California’s interpretations, and even through Alsace’s distinctive styles, some top producers craft bottles that are celebrated worldwide for their excellence. Our selection highlights five of the best Pinot Grigio producers and their wines, each known for their exceptional craftsmanship and memorable character.

Discover what makes these wines stand out among the top Pinot Grigio brands:

• Zind-Humbrecht (France)
• Josko Gravner (Italy)
• Balletto Winery (California, USA)
• Albert Boxler (France)
• Gianfranco Gallo (Italy)

Pinot Grigio price : from everyday wines to iconic bottles

Approachable not just in taste, but also in price, Pinot Grigio offers excellent value, making it one of the most accessible white wines on the market. Still, some quality-focused producers craft unique wines that justify a premium Pinot Grigio price, based on:

• Style & production: skin-contact versions like ramato or orange wines tend to cost more due to longer maceration and artisanal methods.
• Producer reputation: some top Pinot Grigio bottles like Elena Walch or Nals Margreid focus on terroir and precision, reflected in slightly higher price points.
• Region matters: bottles from Alto Adige, Friuli, or Alsace may cost more thanks to distinctive soil and climate influence.
• Vintage variation: while less dramatic than in red wines, top vintages with ideal growing conditions can push prices a little higher.

Pinot Grigio white wine typically ranges from $8 to $25, offering crisp and  refreshing quality at a more affordable price point than many reds.

See the table below to get a feel for how Pinot Grigio wine prices change depending on style and producer:

1. 1. Pinot Grigio 2023 - Livio Felluga

   

   Tasting notes: Notes of acacia flowers, jasmine, hawthorn, broom and elderflower

   Entry-Level Pinot Grigio

   From: $30-35

2. 2. Anderson Valley Pinot Gris 2019 - Long Meadow Ranch

   

   Tasting notes: bright citrusy and floral notes with dried apricot, fresh honey and gingerbread

   Mid-Tier Pinot Grigio

   From: $50-60

3. 3. Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2013 - Albert Boxler

   

   Tasting notes: Smoky aromas with lemon and peach aromas

   Single-Vineyard

   From: $80-100

4. 4. Pinot Gris 2014 - Nautilus Estate

   

   Tasting notes: Aromas of honeydew melon, white peaches, ginger and delicate hints of five spices

   Collector Bottles

   From: $1000

Top 3 Pinot Grigio wine: picks for true connoisseurs

Top Pinot Grigio wines have the structure to evolve beautifully with time. In fact, a few exceptional bottles from renowned Italian producers reveal just how nuanced this white can become with age.Curious to explore beyond the usual crisp profile? Below, you’ll find Pinot Grigio white wine brands that stand out for their aging potential, perfect for collectors or anyone seeking more depth:

Best Pinot Grigio vintages: why years count too

Pinot Grigio is typically enjoyed young, showcasing its crisp and refreshing qualities. That being said, there are some best Pinot Grigio vintages that stand out for their exceptional balance and aging potential. 

The table below highlights years when climate and craftsmanship made Pinot Grigio worth aging and savoring:

Vintage	Recommended Pinot Grigio (Wine + Producer)	Vintage Characteristics
2021	Chloe Wine Collection Pinot Grigio 2021 – Chloe Wines	Fresh and vibrant with good acidity and aging potential.
2015	Pinot Gris Gloeckelberg Grand Cru 2015 – Cave de Ribeauvillé	Cooler, wet spring but dry summer resulted in aromatic, citrus and floral notes.
2013	Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2013 – Albert Boxler	Mild weather overall with balanced rainfall, producing elegant wines with moderate aging potential.
2005	Pinot Grigio 2005 – Jermann	Cooler vintage with late harvests, offering bright acidity and crisp, refined flavors.
1996	Vendage Tardive Pinot Gris – Domaines Schlumberger	Classic vintage marked by a warm, dry season promoting freshness and excellent aging ability.
1990	Vendange Tardive Tokay Pinot Gris – Hugel	Warm and sunny vintage with low rainfall, resulting in rich, concentrated wines with good structure.

Pinot Grigio for beginners: it starts here

If you’re new to Pinot Grigio, start with a young bottle! Wines under three years old showcase the grape’s signature freshness and clean minerality. They’re easy to enjoy, pair well with a variety of light dishes, and offer a great introduction to this popular white wine.

Here are some other quick tips to enjoy Pinot Grigio for beginners:

• Choose bottles less than 3 years old for optimal freshness.
• Serve well chilled (around 45°F / 7°C).
• Pair with seafood, salads, or soft cheeses.
• Use a medium-sized white wine glass to enhance aroma.

Start strong with these two popular Pinot Grigio wines:

Pinot Grigio Style	Our Recommendation	Best to Pair with
Young Pinot Grigio (under 5 yrs)	Fallwind Pinot Grigio 2022 – St. Michael-Eppan	Light seafood, salads, white meats.
Complex Pinot Grigio (10+ yrs)	Baden Grauer Burgunder Alte Reben 2015 – Schloss Ortenberg	Aged cheeses, richer dishes.

Sip in style: the right Pinot Grigio wine glasses

While it may seem like a small detail, the shape of the glass is nearly as important as the wine’s temperature! A Pinot Grigio glass should be medium-sized with a narrow rim to help preserve its aromas and direct the fresh notes to the palate.

In the table below, you’ll find some popular Pinot Grigio glass recommendations:

Italian Pinot Grigio: catching up to the French standard

Pinot Grigio origins trace back to France, with a mutation of Pinot Noir first cultivated in Burgundy and later adopted in Alsace. Over time, though, Italy embraced the grape and gave it a new identity. Today, Italian Pinot Grigio accounts for nearly 50% of the world’s Pinot Grigio production!

In 2017, the establishment of the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC brought together the production from three key northeastern Italian regions:

1. 1. Veneto

   

   Tasting notes:

   largest producer, known for light, zesty wines, often from higher-altitude vineyards that offer freshness.

2. 2. Friuli-Venezia Giulia

   

   Tasting notes:

   produces elegant and structured Pinot Grigio, covering about 30% of the region’s grape output

3. 3. Trentino-Alto Adige

   

   Tasting notes:

   mountain climate gives crispness and vibrant acidity, with standout producers focusing on purity.

While also grown in countries like the U.S. and Germany, Italian Pinot Grigio wines remain today the benchmark.

Pinot Gris vs Pinot Grigio: is there a real difference?

Many people wonder about Pinot Gris vs Pinot Grigio and assume they’re different wines. In reality, they’re the exact same grape variety, just named differently depending on where the wine is made:

• Pinot Grigio is simply the Italian term
• Pinot Gris is the French name

In other words, the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio isn’t in the grape itself, but in the winemaking style and regional terroir. Italian and American versions are usually light and crisp, while French expressions tend to be fuller and more aromatic.

Now that you know this, it’s worth exploring other wines with similar profiles. Below, you’ll find a selection of grapes and bottles to help you explore other kinds of wine similar to Pinot Grigio:

Wine / Grape	Top Wine Name + Wine Maker	Wine style
Chardonnay	Coup de Coeur Chardonnay 2018 – Morlet	Crisp and mineral or rich, buttery, and creamy
Riesling	Kirchberg de Barr Grand Cru Riesling 2022 – Willm	Full-bodied, delicate minerality with aromas of lemon
Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – Illumination Wine	Zesty, citrusy, herbal; often unoaked with bright acidity
Gewürztraminer	Gewürztraminer 2020 – Elena Walch	Highly aromatic and full bodied, often off dry

Pinot Grigio serving temperature: tips by style and category

Just like all kinds of wines, serving a good Pinot Grigio properly enhances its crispness and flavor. Below, we outline essential tips, including ideal Pinot Grigio serving temperature and glassware choices, to help you enjoy this wine at its best.

• Serve at the right temperature: white: 50–54°F; ramato/orange: 54–58°F; sparkling: 43–46°F.
• No decanting needed for white or sparkling; short decant (15–30 min) for orange or ramato styles.
• Choose the right glass: white for classic, slightly larger for ramato/orange, tulip flute for sparkling.
• Drink young: most are best within 1-3 years, except ramato/orange, which can age a bit longer.

They may seem like small details, but they can completely change your tasting experience!

Clean flavors, bold matches: Pinot Grigio food pairing

Wine Pinot Grigio is highly appreciated as a versatile partner at the table. Its wide spectrum of color nuances, from pale straw to coppery hues, and its flavorful, approachable style make it an excellent choice for pairing with a diverse range of foods.

Below, you’ll find some useful Pinot Grigio food pairing suggestions featuring popular Pinot Grigio bottles to help you create harmonious matches:

Food	Best Bottle	Aged	Type & Structure
Light Seafood (scallops, prawns	Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2023 – Santa Margherita	1 year ABV 12%	Crisp, clean, refreshing
Creamy Chicken or Turkey Dishes	Cavit Pinot Grigio 2000 – Cavit	1-2 years ABV 12%	Soft, balanced, slightly floral
Aged Cheeses (Parmigiano, aged Gouda)	Zellberg Pinot Gris 2020 – Ostertag	3-4 years ABV 14,5%	Mineral-driven, textured, complex
Light Risotto or Pasta in White Sauce	Vigna Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio 2022 – Elena Walch	1-2 years ABV 13,2%	Floral, balanced, clean finish
Smoked Salmon or Charcuterie	Pinot Gris 2022 – Lichen	1-2 years ABV 12%	Balanced, fruity, with subtle spice

Pinot Grigio wine accessories: pouring, storing & serving

Pinot Grigio doesn’t demand complex gear, but a few targeted tools can seriously improve how it tastes. It’s important to focus on temperature control, fast serving, and airtight preservation. Also, keep in mind that the wrong glass can mute its aromatics!

Check the table below to see some of the essential Pinot Grigio wine accessories we recommend.

1. 1. Josephine Brilliant Decanter

   

   Not usually needed, but for orange or aged styles, a quick decant can soften edges and boost complexity.

2. 2. Riedel Veloce Sauvignon Blanc Wine Glasses (Set of 2)

   

   Use this to channel all those fresh citrus and floral aromas straight to your nose.

3. 3. Wine Thermometer

   

   Monitor the temperature to avoid over-chilling or over-warming.

4. 4. Automatic Wine Opener & Preserver Set

   

   Not finishing the bottle? Use this to keep it fresh and vibrant for the next glass.

5. 5. Electric corkscrew and foil cutter set

   

   fine ribbed with a textured finish, the long battery life of this corkscrew makes it perfect for camping trips.