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Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio / Grauburgunder — What’s the Difference, and What Should I Go For?

25 Jan 2026

Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio / Grauburgunder — What’s the Difference, and What Should I Go For?

Few white wine grapes cause as much quiet confusion — or reward such close attention — as Pinot Gris. Known variously as Pinot Grigio in Italy and Grauburgunder in Germany, this is not a case of different grapes wearing similar clothes. It is one grape, with one genetic identity, expressing itself through language, climate, culture and terroir.

And occasionally, it even steps briefly into rosé.

One Grape, Many Names (and Colours)

Pinot Gris is a natural mutation of Pinot Noir, its berries tinged grey-pink rather than black. The name itself originates in Burgundy, where gris simply means “grey”. As the grape travelled across Europe — often via monastic routes during the Middle Ages — its name changed with the language of the land, but its DNA did not.

In some regions, particularly parts of northern Italy, winemakers lean into the grape’s naturally coloured skins, allowing short skin contact during fermentation. The result is Pinot Grigio Ramato or Pinot Blush — a copper-hued, rosé-style wine that sits somewhere between white and rosé, offering gentle tannin, savoury notes and surprising depth.

France: Pinot Gris
Italy: Pinot Grigio (including Ramato / Pinot Blush styles)
Germany & Austria: Grauburgunder

What changes is not the grape, but how it is grown, harvested and vinified.

Climate, Terroir and Style

In Alsace, Pinot Gris thrives in a dry, sunny climate protected by the Vosges Mountains. Here, longer hang times and low yields create wines of weight and texture, often with ripe stone fruit, gentle spice and a broad, mouth-filling palate.

In Italy’s northeast, particularly Veneto and Friuli, Pinot Grigio is often picked earlier for freshness. When vinified conventionally, this produces crisp, citrus-driven whites. When given skin contact, however, those same vineyards can yield expressive Pinot Blush wines with copper tones and savoury complexity.

In Germany, especially Baden, Grauburgunder sits between these styles. The climate is cooler than Alsace but warmer than much of Germany, producing wines with crisp structure, ripe orchard fruit and a distinctly food-friendly balance.

Which Style Should You Choose?

Rather than asking which is “best”, the better question is: what do I want from the glass?

Light, fresh and aperitif-friendly? Choose a classic Italian Pinot Grigio.
Textured, rich and expressive? Reach for Alsace Pinot Gris.
Balanced, elegant and versatile? Grauburgunder is your friend.
Curious and adventurous? Seek out a Pinot Blush for something deliciously different.

Three Expressions Worth Exploring

Below are three outstanding examples from the Grape Minds range — each a benchmark of its style.

Grauburgunder: Paul Anheuser Grauburgunder (Germany)

Tasting note: Fresh pear, apple skin and subtle almond notes, with bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Elegant and precise.
Food pairing: Roast pork, schnitzel, smoked fish or mushroom risotto.
👉 Buy Paul Anheuser Grauburgunder

Pinot Gris: Léon Boesch “Le Coq” Pinot Gris (Alsace, France)

Tasting note: Ripe peach, baked apple and soft spice, with a gently textured palate and impressive depth. A serious, characterful wine.
Food pairing: Roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, mild Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.
👉 Buy Léon Boesch Le Coq Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio: Antonio Borga Pinot Grigio (Italy)

Tasting note: Crisp citrus, green apple and white peach, with lively acidity and a refreshing, dry finish. Pure, clean and highly drinkable.
Food pairing: Seafood linguine, grilled prawns, salads or simply as an aperitif.
👉 Buy Antonio Borga Pinot Grigio

Pinot Gris is not a single wine but a family of styles — white, copper-hued and everything in between. Few grapes reflect terroir so honestly, or reward curiosity so generously. Once you understand the names, you’re free to explore the flavours — and that is where the real pleasure begins.

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Find out more why we love what we do and how we can help!

At Grape Minds, our customers come first. We’re committed to curating only the wines we truly believe in — bottles that over-deliver on taste, quality, and value. Every wine on our shelves has been handpicked with care, ensuring you get the best, at the best possible price. Because great wine should be a joy to discover, not a challenge to afford.

We've got 2 stores and a wine bar where you can taste our drinks. Our stores are located in Wallingford and Summertown, Oxford. You can also find us at OXTWO, our Small Plates restaurant and wine bar, where we offer a selection of wines by the glass, as well as a curated menu of small plates to pair with your drink.

We're always happy to help and give a personal touch, listening to what you need and choosing the right bottles for the occassion. Simple give us a ring on 01865 661749 for our Summertown store, or 01491 824549 for our Wallingford store. Theres more info on our Contact page.

Feel free to peruse our online shop, or read more about our story and our wines on our About page. We also have a Events page where you can find out about our upcoming tastings and events.

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