Pinot Gris is one of the four noble grape varieties from Alsace in France. With 16% of the total vineyard area in Alsace it’s the third most planted variety, after Pinot Blanc (26%) and Riesling (20%) and just before Gewurztraminer (14%) – (d’Alsace, 2023)
Commonly used names and synonyms are: Grauburgunder / Grauer Burgunder or Ruländer (Germany & Austria), Pinot Beurot or Pinot Grigio (Italy), Szürkebarat (Hungary), Malvoisie (Loire Valley, Valle d’Aosta, Valais) – (Robinson et al., 2012)
In this article, we are going to look at the characteristics of Pinot Gris from Alsace, following a structure commonly used by wine institutions like Court of Master Sommeliers (COMS) and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). We will also look at how does it compare to other varieties including Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Chardonnay.
Appearance
Medium to medium plus intense straw core often with a copper and/or grey hue, bright but not brilliant
Aromas and flavours
Fruits: fully ripe style – yellow & red apples, pear, yellow plum (mirabelle), peach, quince & lychee
Floral: tea leaves (white or green) slightly bitter, tart feel, high in terpenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons)
Others: chamomile, honey, some mineral notes, baked almonds, butter biscuit
Sweetness
Technically dry, but often on the higher end with noticeable residual sugar (RS)
Acidity
Moderate
Alcohol
Moderate plus to high – 13% ABV onward
Body
Rich often slightly oily texture, mouth-coating
Comparison to others
Gewürztraminer: riper, more pronounced exotic fruits, rose petal notes & often more RS
Muscat from Alsace: lighter in colour, elder flower aromas with pronounced “grape” notes.
Chardonnay (new world): copper colour variation, bitter notes with almonds & sometimes delicate botrytis
What makes it unique
The combination of a copper hue paired with a delicate sweetness, oily texture and lifted alcohol. Ripe fruit character with a pronounced quince and lychee note.
Classic examples
- Pinot Gris ‘Classic or Estate’, Famille Hugel
- Pinot Gris ‘Réserve’, Trimbach
- Pinot Gris Turckheim, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
Stefan Neumann MS
Austrian born, London based Master Sommelier – I am passionate about wine and a strong believer that wine should connect people. Hence I have made it my mission to share my wine knowledge and experience with like-minded individuals who would like to be part of this journey.
References:
Jancis Robinson, Harding, J. and Vouillamoz, J. (2012). Wine grapes : a complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins, flavours and wines. London: Penguin.
d’Alsace, V. (no date) Press area, Vins d’Alsace. Available at: https://www.vinsalsace.com/en/presse/ (Accessed: 18 October 2023).
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