Pinot Gris/Grigio - California’s Wine Grape Varietals

Great wine begins with great grapes. Capitalizing on the state’s diverse geography and climates, California wine-grape growers can grow a wide range of grape varieties and styles. The Golden State boasts more than 100 different varieties of wine grapes, thanks to its diverse topography, soils, climates and growers.

With respect for tradition and a propensity for innovation, California’s wine-grape growers are able to produce some of the best grapes, and wines, in the world. Here’s a look at some of California’s most notable wine grapes:

Image of Pinot Gris/Grigio Wine Grapes Varietals on the vine, grown in California

Pronunciation

Pinot Gris is pronounced PEE-no-GREE. Pinot Grigio is pronounced PEE-no-GREE-jo

Pinot Gris/Grigio (White)

Although pinot gris/pinot grigio is considered a white wine, it is thought to be a mutant clone of the red pinot noir grape. Pinot gris (gris is French for gray) grapes can range from blue-silver to hints of pink and yellow, and generally prefer the cool, coastal areas of the state.

Taste: An easygoing and amiable everyday wine. In California, pinot grigios are generally light-bodied with a crisp, refreshing taste. Aromas are understated with apple and melon notes, and the acidity tends to be low, so it’s on the mellower side.

Perfect Food Matches: Light meals and first courses, including pasta with pesto or creamy sauces, or tossed with cheese, butter and sage. Also goes well with seafood ravioli, trout, poached salmon and simple preparations of veal cutlets, like scaloppini or schnitzel.