Pinot Grigio Vs. Pinot Noir - Detailed Selection Guide

Pinot grigio and pinot noir are both incredibly popular varieties of wine. When choosing between the two wines, many enthusiasts find themselves stuck. After all, the two are so different. How can you choose between pinot grigio vs pinot noir?

In this article, we give detailed insights into what pinot grigio and pinot noir are and explain the flavors that make both wines so appealing. We also provide an overview of the key differences and recommend which wine you should choose. Read on to learn more.

What Is Pinot Grigio?

Pinot grigio is a popular dry white wine. It’s often described as a refreshing “summer wine.” Pinot grigio is also characterized by its abundance of fruity notes, including lime, lemon, pear, and apple. The wine can be pretty dry and robust when produced in cooler climates, while pinot grigio wine from warmer places like California is often sweet.

What Is Pinot Noir?

Pinot noir is a popular variety of red wine known for its flavorful qualities. The wine is somewhat tart, with cherry and raspberry notes often prominent. This is particularly the case with pinot noir produced in warm climates, as these bottles tend to be much sweeter. Some varieties of this wine, like Burgundy pinot noir, are aged in oak barrels to add flavors like vanilla and spice.

Key Differences Between Pinot Grigio And Pinot Noir

• Pinot grigio is white wine, and pinot noir is red wine. Depending on your palate, you may find one more appealing. The tannins present in pinot noir result in an entirely different flavor. Pinot grigio is an excellent refreshing wine, while pinot noir is better savored over red meat or chocolate.
• Pinot grigio and pinot noir use different fruit notes. While both wines have plenty of sweet notes, the fruits they use are completely different. Pinot grigio draws its flavor from green apple, lime, pear, and lemon. Pinot noir tends to use cherries and berries like raspberries.
• Pinot grigio and pinot noir should be paired with different foods. Using pinot grigio with white meats, seafood, salad, fruit platters, and other lightweight dishes is recommended. Pinot noir should be paired with red meat, chocolate, and tomato-based sauce.
• Pinot grigio and pinot noir have different ideal serving temperatures. Pinot grigio should be served at temperatures between 45 and 50°F. As a result, it’s a highly refreshing wine. Pinot noir is recommended to be served between 55 and 60°F.
• Pinot grigio varies more by the bottle than pinot noir. Pinot noir tends to be pretty standard, although you’ll find that certain regions produce sweeter bottles. The grape variety used for pinot grigio is much more reactive to the climate. As a result, you’ll encounter three common varieties of grigio: pinot blanc, pinot grigio and pinot gris wine.

Shared Qualities Of Pinot Grigio And Pinot Noir

• Pinot grigio and pinot noir are both flat wines. You don’t have to worry about leaving your glass unattended and returning to a flattened wine, as both are meant to be consumed uncarbonated.
• It’s not recommended to age most varieties of pinot grigio and pinot noir. Some types are aged before they ever reach the market, but most bottles of pinot grigio and pinot noir aren’t made to be aged at home. It’s recommended to drink any bottles you get within a few years. Pinot noir from high-quality producers can be aged.
• Some types of pinot grigio and pinot noir are aged. These wines sometimes undergo aging to imbue additional flavors into the wine. Pinot grigio is sometimes sur lie aged, which results in extra creaminess and complex flavors. Pinot noir is sometimes aged in oak barrels to add notes like vanilla and spice.
• Pinot grigio and pinot noir have similar alcohol by volume (ABV). This can vary depending on the bottle you purchase — bottles from warmer climates tend to have higher ABV. You can expect both varieties to have similar ABV, with pinot grigio having an average of 12% and pinot noir having an average of 13.5%.
• Pinot grigio and pinot noir are both moderately acidic. The high acidity is less notable in pinot noir, as the fullness of the wine tones the acidity down, but the notes of cherry and raspberry are prominent as a result. Pinot grigio has a typical level of acidity for white wine.

Should I Drink Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir?

There’s not one better wine when comparing pinot grigio and pinot noir. Both wines have flavors and characteristics that can appeal to different palates — and both are equally delicious when paired with the right foods. Because the flavor profiles of pinot grigio and pinot noir are so different, you may find that one better suits your preferences for casual drinking.

Pinot grigio is an excellent option if you’re looking for refreshing and dry white wine. This wine is acidic and typically includes a lot of citrus notes. As a result, you’ll find that it’s excellent for chilling and drinking on a hot day. Pinot grigio is also perfect for pairing with light meals. Three varieties of pinot grigio are commonly available for purchase, ranging from mineral and dry to fruity and bright.

Pinot noir, meanwhile, offers a full-bodied and deep flavor that is perfect for savoring. It is a light red wine with plenty of tannins, so it’s better able to hold up and present its own flavors when paired with tomato-based sauces and foods like red meat. Depending on the variety of pinot noir, a wine drinker can enjoy notes like berry and vanilla at varying sweetness levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir?

  • The primary difference lies in their color and flavor profiles. Pinot Grigio is a white wine made from the Pinot Grigio grape, typically featuring crisp, refreshing flavors with notes of citrus, green apple, and pear. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape, known for its light to medium body, soft tannins, and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones.

• What food pairings are best for Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir?

  • Pinot Grigio pairs well with light dishes such as seafood, salads, and chicken. Its crisp acidity complements fresh and zesty flavors. Pinot Noir is more versatile and can pair with a wider range of foods, including roasted chicken, salmon, pork, and even mushrooms, thanks to its balanced acidity and fruitiness.

• What are the ideal serving temperatures for each wine?

  • Pinot Grigio is best served chilled at around 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C) to enhance its refreshing qualities. Pinot Noir should be served slightly cooler than room temperature, ideally between 55°F and 65°F (13°C to 18°C), to allow its flavors to develop without becoming too warm.

• How does the region affect the taste of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir?

  • The region significantly influences the taste of both wines. For Pinot Grigio, wines from Italy are often more crisp and fruity, while those from Oregon may have a fuller body with more floral notes. For Pinot Noir, Burgundy (France) is known for its complexity and earthiness, while California produces riper, fruit-forward styles. New Zealand also offers vibrant and juicy expressions.

• Are there different styles of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir?

  • Yes, both wines come in various styles. Pinot Grigio can range from dry and crisp to off-dry or even slightly sweet, depending on the region and winemaking techniques. Pinot Noir can also vary from light and fruity to more robust and complex, influenced by factors like oak aging and terroir.

• Which wine is better for beginners, Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir?

  • Pinot Grigio is often recommended for beginners due to its refreshing taste and lighter body, making it easy to enjoy without being overwhelming. However, Pinot Noir is also a great entry point for red wine enthusiasts, as its softer tannins and fruit-forward profile make it approachable. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role, so trying both is a good idea!

Conclusion

Pinot grigio and pinot noir are both commonly recommended as excellent pinot wines, but it can be difficult to tell which is actually the best between the two — or what the major differences are between pinot grigio and pinot noir.

As any wine enthusiast knows, pinot grigio and pinot noir are extremely different wines. Pinot grigio is commonly enjoyed because it’s a citrusy dry wine. Pinot noir is a tart and full-bodied light red wine better enjoyed over dinner with the proper food pairing.

When it comes to pinot grigio vs pinot noir, as long as you make an informed decision on which to try, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy these incredible wines.