Similarities of Riesling & Pinot Grigio
Riesling and Pinot Grigio are two of the most popular white wine varietals in the world. They are both great wines for pairing with food due to the versatility of their flavors.
Pinot Grigio is also known as Pinot Gris. The grape originally comes from Burgundy in France, where it is called Pinot Gris, but the Italian name for the varietal has become more pervasive.
Riesling and Pinot Grigio are made in a variety of different ways. Dry versions of both varietals are the most widely spread, but it’s not unusual to see Riesling and Pinot Grigio made in off-dry and sweet styles.
These white wines are cool-climate varieties and are more successful when grown in regions with relatively mild weather.
Differences of Riesling Versus Pinot Grigio
Riesling originates from the Rhine region of Germany, where some of the most classic examples of the varietal are found. However, it is also grown extensively in Austria – some high-quality Rieslings are made in the Kamptal and Wachau regions. It is also popular in the Alsace region of France, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Pinot Grigio is also grown worldwide, in Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, Germany and the United States, but its iterations from Alsace and Italy are the most well-known. It is Italy’s signature non-sparkling white wine.
Pinot Grigio can be made in a more full-bodied and spicy style, known as Alsatian style, or Italian style, which is lighter and crisp. It can vary in color from light yellow to almost pink.
Riesling is extremely versatile and is made in such a wide variety of styles that it can be difficult to classify them all. It is sensitive to its environment and can pick up a range of small nuances depending on where it’s grown.
Pinot Grigio usually tastes best in its early years, but some Alsatian style Pinot Gris’ can age well. Riesling is unusual for white wine, as it is recommended for extended cellaring. Its high acidity and strong fruit flavors leave lots of room for evolution and improvement.
How To Distinguish Between Riesling & Pinot Grigio
In the glass, younger Rieslings can look light yellow, with greenish hues. As they age, they can become a deeper, more golden color.
Pinot Grigio can also vary in color, from pale straw yellow to lemon, to a coppery color with pink hues.
In terms of taste, both of these varietals share softer fruit flavors, like apple and pear. A tell-tale sign that your wine is a Riesling, and not a Pinot Grigio, will be the presence of tropical fruits, such as mango or pineapple.
Pinot Grigio is considered by some as a wine with basic flavors, and a choice for people who don’t really like wine. This takes some credit away from the wine because Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris can come in a wide variety of delicious styles. A more polite way of putting it would be this – if the wine you are tasting is straightforward, with apple, peach, lemon and not much else, there is a higher chance that it is a Pinot Grigio, not a Riesling.
A classic Pinot Grigio leans towards being tart and zesty, while a classic Riesling will contain some residual sugar, and be slightly sweet. However, Riesling is generally more acidic, so while it tastes sweeter, it can still have a distinct “drying” effect on the mouth.
Another giveaway that you are tasting a classic, aged German Riesling is notes of petroleum.
Riesling vs Pinot Grigio Comparison Chart
| Characteristic | Riesling | Pinot Grigio |
| Sweetness | Dry to Sweet | Dry to Off-dry |
| Acidity | High | Medium to High |
| Tannins | Low | Low |
| Body | Light | Light to Medium |
| Tasting Notes | Stone and citrus fruits – peach, apple, mango, lemon and lime. Honey, minerality and sometimes petroleum. | Green, yellow and citrus fruits – Apple, pear, peach, lemon. Floral notes, minerality, honey, saline and grass. |
| Popularity | 40,500 Monthly Searches | 90,500 Monthly Searches |
| Calories Per Glass | 120 cal | 120 cal |
| ABV % | 9 – 12% | 10 – 14% |
Pairing Food With Riesling & Pinot Grigio
Riesling and Pinot Grigio are both food-friendly wines. Riesling goes particularly well with spicy and Asian food. Its sweetness balances out spice, and its high acidity can enhance flavorsome dishes. Pinot Grigio goes well with some Italian antipasto, olives and creamy cheeses, and anything on the salty side. Both wines are excellent partners for seafood dishes.
Pairing Food With Pinot Grigio
