Pinot Noir vs Pinot Grigio Wines: What’s the Difference?
Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Many often confuse Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio wines with regard to their respective characteristics. Although they have similarities, they’re incredibly different.
Step into the fascinating realm of wine as we unravel the intriguing tale of Pinot Noir vs Pinot Grigio.
We’ll closely examine the key factors that distinguish these wines in this in-depth comparison to ascertain the better choice for your occasion.
Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Noir In-Depth Comparison
Pinot Noir, when young, is a fruity red wine with a refreshing acidity. It has bold fruit flavors and complexity due to its long maturation.
Pinot Grigio, when dry, is crisp, light, and refreshing white wine. It has bold apples and lemon aromas, which are dominant in its tasting notes.
They both have soft tannins with lower acidity, and when it comes to alcohol, they have the same range (12-13.5% ABV).
However, Pinot Noir can produce wines with 14-15% ABV in warmer climates.
Main Differences
History
Pinot Grigio (or French Pinot Gris) and Noir come from France’s Burgundy region. The Pinot Grigio and Noir grapes are related, and DNA evidence shows they have similar genetic characteristics.
Production Process
Growing Region
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir grow in Burgundy, France. The cool climates in France help Pinot Noir and Grigio wine grapes to grow at their best.
“Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, two distinct worlds in a bottle, embodying elegance and vibrancy, offering a delightful dance of flavors.”
– Liquor Laboratory
But both grape varieties are easily affected by the region’s climate where they grow.
Pinot Noir, grown in warmer climates, mainly loses its freshness compared to Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris in French word).
Grape Variety
Pinot Noir wine is made from a red wine grape variety, while Pinot Grigio wine is made using a white wine grape variety. But they both belong to the Vitis Vinifera species.
- Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is made from Pinot Grigio grapes.
- Pinot Noir is crafted from the Pinot Noir grape juice.
Warm vs Cool Climate
As mentioned, the climate affects wine production (worldwide) of both grape varieties.
While they’re at their best in cooler climates, like Burgundy, France, Pinot Noir tends to lose its quality in warmer climates, like California.
Alcohol Content & Aroma
The alcohol content of Pinot Grigio is typically 10-14%, while Noirs have an average ABV of 11.5-15%. So, Pinot Noir has higher alcohol levels.
Regarding the Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Noir aromas, we like Pinot Noir for its black cherry, oak (from oak barrels), and pepper scents (like in roast chicken).
As for Pinot Grigio, it’s also fruity, with green apple, white peach, pear, and stone fruit aromas. It’s mild, so it feels soothing to the nose.
Read: Top Pinot Grigios Under $30
Flavor Profile & Tannins
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir wine taste sweet with citrus flavors and a light body.
Pinot Grigio has a more delicate flavor making it an ideal complement to fruit dishes like salad and yogurt. It’s a balanced white wine with subtle green fruit flavors.
In some varieties of Pinot Grigio, such as those in the Alsace region, Pinot Grigio wines have floral notes.
Pinot Noir has a more earthy taste with bold red fruit flavors. It’s light and refreshing with cherry, violets, chocolate, baking spice, and mocha notes in oak-aged versions.
Moreover, the tannins in Pinot Grigio are imperceptible due to how the red/purplish skins of the grape are removed following pressing.
Pinot Noir is low in tannins but feels silky and fresh on the mouth, even in just a sip.
Residual Sugar & Acidity
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir have different sweetness levels but are traditionally dry wines.
Pinot Grigio is often in the semi-sweet to sweet varieties and doesn’t have the high acidity like most wines.
Like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noirs have a vibrant red fruity flavor and acid flavors but little residual sugar. Both Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio have similar sweet-yet-dry characteristics.
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Food Pairings
Pinot Grigio pairs well with salty food like olives and french fries, while Pinot Noir pairs well with grilled fish, shellfish, and light seafood dishes.
As for food pairings, stunning Pinot Noirs go well with pasta, pizza, ratatouille, lean meats, and roasted chicken.
How It’s Served & Stored
Pinot Grigio is a great wine [1] to drink at 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold temperatures enhance the crisp acidity and green fruit flavors.
It’s best served in a standard wine glass or a Champagne (sparkling wine) flute.
“My only regret in life is that I did not drink more wine.”
– Ernest Hemingway, American Novelist
Pinot Noir red wines are better served at room temperature, around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideally, it’s best served in a Burgundy wine glass with a wide opening that lets in plenty of oxygen to produce vibrant flavors and enjoy its bright acidity.
Price Point & Popularity
When it comes to the price, in the Pinot Noir vs Pinot Grigio debate, the latter is affordable, while the former is hardly inexpensive.
Pinot Noirs, available in France, Oregon, California, and Australia, is an excellent entry-level wine costing around $40.
Grigios are way more affordable, costing around $10-$30. Pinot Grigio white wines made in Northern Italy (Italian wine) usually cost roughly $10, and the same grape wine made in Alsace costs about $30. But how long does Pinot Grigio last?
FAQs
Is Pinot Noir sweeter than Pinot Grigio?
Pinot Noir tends to be sweeter than Pinot Gris (Grigio). But both wines have similar sweet and dry characteristics.
Which is healthier, Pinot Noir or Grigio?
Pinot Noirs are healthier than Pinot Grigios [2] for their high levels of resveratrol. Also, they have lower sugar content and calories than other types of wine.
Which has more calories and carbs, Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio?
Pinot Gris grapes (Grigio) and Pinot Noirs have lower calories, with about 123 kcal. But in terms of carbs, Pinot Noir grapes and Grigios has more (5g) than Pinot Noir grape (4g).
Final Thoughts
In this Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Noir comparison, it’s clear that they couldn’t be more different despite having the same DNA, history, growing region, and popularity.
Both are great wines and a good food pairing. But we can’t deny their differences in flavor profile, ABV, acidity, tannins, sugar, aroma, and price point.
For wine drinkers looking for an affordable wine with good acidity that’s fruity and refreshing, go for Grigios, and for those who want sweeter with a higher ABV, opt for Noirs.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/wine
- https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/food-and-cooking/dailymeal-here-s-why-pinot-noir-is-the-healthiest-wine-you-can-drink-20180312-story.html
