Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape and thrive in cooler climates.  Pinot Grigio describes wine grown in Italy, Pinot Gris describes wine produced elsewhere (wine in California can be called both).

Characteristics of Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris vary tremendously based on the region.  California and Italy produce light bodied, crisp Pinot Grigio with intense citrus flavors and go well with mild seafood, white pastas and other light dishes.  Pinot Gris from the Alsace region of France and Oregon are medium to full bodied and tend to be a bit more complex with flavors of citrus fruit and other fruits such as apple and pear.  Because these wines are more heavily bodied they go well with white meats such as poultry and pork.