Grape varieties of Alsace

The Pinot Gris.

FRUITY AND SMOKED

A rich, complex wine.

With an aromatic palette ranging from yellow-fleshed fruit to delicate floral notes, it seduces with its rich, sometimes mellow texture. Appreciated throughout the world, Pinot Gris, known by different names depending on the region, embodies the diversity of wine-making styles, from dry, structured wines to lighter, fruitier expressions.

THE PINOT GRIS

A varied aromatic palette.

Pinot Gris bunches are medium to large in size, with pinkish-grey to dark grey berries. The grains are generally rounded and of medium size.

Pinot Gris offers a varied range of aromas. It has aromas of yellow-fleshed fruit such as pear, peach and apricot. Delicate floral notes may also be present, as well as hints of honey and spices.

On the palate, Pinot Gris wines are often rich and full-bodied. They have a generous texture with a certain sweetness, although the level of sweetness can vary. The ripe fruit flavours, sometimes slightly tropical, combine with notes of honey and sometimes hints of hazelnut.

History and origin

A grape variety that has been renowned on many occasions.

Around 1565, legend has it that Baron Lazare de Schwendi brought Tokay vines back to Hungary to propagate them in Kientzheim in the hope of producing wine from the Furmint grape variety. However, according to several ampelographers, it is likely that the grape variety imported was not Furmint, but rather Pinot Gris, originally from Burgundy, known for its ability to produce concentrated wines.

It is the tormented history of its various names that has caught the attention of the wine world. Called Grauer Tokayer before 1870, Pinot Gris was then successively named Tokay Gris, Tokay d’Alsace, Tokay Pinot Gris and finally, since 1st April 2007, Pinot Gris.

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Food & wine pairing

What to eat with Pinot Gris

Its generous texture and notes of yellow-fleshed fruit make it an excellent companion for poultry dishes and fish in sauce.

It also goes very well with lightly spiced Asian dishes and soft cheeses.

The diversity of Pinot Gris styles, from dry to mellow, offers exceptional versatility to accompany a variety of foods, making this grape variety a great option for many gastronomic occasions.