Pinot Gris, an Alsatian grape variety

Pinot Gris, formerly known as Tokay Pinot Gris until 2007, is a grape variety that probably originated in Burgundy. It is a variation of Pinot Noir, distinguished by its gray color.

Today, it is produced mainly in Germany, where it is known as Ruländer, Grauer Mönch or Grauburgunder. It covers some 5,000 hectares of vines. In France, this grape variety is mainly grown in Alsace, where traces of it date back to the Middle Ages. It can also be found in the Loire Valley, under the name of Malvoisie, or in other countries such as Switzerland, Italy and Australia…

Pinot Gris is considered a “noble grape” in Alsace, due to the particularly developed aromas it can offer after vinification. It thus benefits from the Alsace Grand Cru appellation, ranking alongside Riesling, Muscat and Gewurztraminer. It can be used for late harvests and noble grape selections.

Tasting and characteristics

Pinot Gris has a reputation for being highly aromatic, with aromas of dried fruit and gingerbread. Its deep color and fruity aromas can be accompanied by notes of undergrowth and mushrooms.

Late harvesting accentuates the concentration of aromas, making the wine even more powerful. The selection of noble grapes makes the wines all the sweeter and more alcoholic.

As a rather dry, powerful white wine, Pinot Gris should be served at between 10 and 12 degrees, and stored for up to 10 years.

Food & wine pairing

For an appetizer, choose asparagus or a seafood platter, a squid dish. A salmon tartare or a pear appetizer also pairs deliciously with a Pinot Gris.

Pinot Gris goes perfectly with oysters, clams or white-fleshed fish. Otherwise, black pudding (black or white) or Peking duck with potatoes go well with a Pinot Gris.

For a cheese pairing, we recommend Camembert, Valençay, Saint-Marcellin or Reblochon.

For a dessert pairing, yogurt ice cream, hazelnut ice cream, Alsatian cakes and brioches are good matches for a Pinot Gris.