Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris, is a grape variety widely known for its crisp, fresh and charmingly light aromatic profile.
Although best known as an everyday, easy-going drinking wine, Pinot Grigio is versatile with styles that can show more complexity, depth and concentration due to climatic and winemaking influences.
Producers around the world are showcasing its dynamic profile by experimenting with different techniques to enable the grape’s profile to shine.
Scroll down to discover 15 award-winning Pinot Grigio wines from around the world
In Italy’s North Eastern regions including Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige, there’s more focus on production of its popular fresh and light styles, but even within these regions, to neighbouring France where it’s known as Pinot Gris and beyond to countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Slovenia, this variety’s varied expressions are worth exploring.
International Pinot Grigio Day celebrates the diversity of this grape variety, and from floral to citrus-led to sweet, we highlight a range of award-winning wines that showcase the best of Pinot Grigio, as well as a range of countries it’s produced in.
Tasted and rated by specialists at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards, below discover 15 award-winning Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris wines to try from around the world.
International Pinot Grigio Day: 15 to try
Argentina
Caminante, de Los Mundos Organic, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2023
Silver, 92 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Almost saline character, very direct and quite mineral with citrus and white fruit aromas. Energetic palate, showing tension. Alcohol 13%
Canada
Phantom Creek Estates, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia 2020
Silver, 93 points
100% Pinot Gris
Almost tropical on the nose, showing stone fruit aromas, with notes of apple skin, lemon pith and brioche. Lovely and toasty. Alc 13.5%
Croatia
Vinogradarstvo Vinski Hram, Statera Sivi Pinot, Zagorje – Međimurje 2023
Silver, 91 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Fruit driven, displaying nuances of white blossom, ripe pear and yellow apple. Zesty and fruity on the palate. Salty minerality. Alc 13%
France
Domaine Hurst, Grand Cru Brand, Alsace 2022
Silver, 93 points
100% Pinot Gris
Impressive dried flower, pear and hazelnut notes unfurl and sustain the bold, richly structured palate with a long saline finish. Alc 14%
Maison Pierre Sparr Successeurs, Sol Calcaire, Alsace 2020
Silver, 92 points
100% Pinot Gris
A complexity of apricots, pastry and honeycomb with a supple, richly textured palate, a cleansing acidity and salty finish. Alc 13.5%
Italy
Lis Neris, Gris, Friuli Isonzo 2021
Silver 93 points
100% Pinot Gris
Inviting, with a nose of orange blossom, smoky orchard fruit and yellow Spring flower; palate of lemon, apricot tart and spiced pear. Alc 14%
San Simone, Case Sugan Ramato, Friuli Grave 2021
Silver, 93 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Inviting nose of orange blossom, blood orange and peach skin; palate of stone fruit, subtle acidity and a fine mineral core. Alc 13%
Tunella, Colbajè Ramato, Colli Orientali del Friuli 2022
Silver, 92 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Attractive nose of red rose, then to a palate of red fruit, marmalade, candied cherry and lemon. Perfect picnic wine. Alc 13.5%
Amandum, Grey, Friuli Isonzo 2019
Silver, 92 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Hints of candied orange peel aromas lead to a smoky palate of peach skin, spice, almond oil and cedar. Alc 13%
New Zealand
Tiki, Single Vineyard, Waipara, Canterbury 2023
Silver, 91 points
100% Pinot Gris
White peach, jasmine and kiwi fruit with a lick of quince. Supple mouth-feel with juicy acidity and persistent fruit intensity. Alc 12.5%
Slovenia
Klet Brda Dobrovo, Quercus, Goriška Brda, Primorska 2023
Value Gold, 95 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Ripe pear and juicy red apple characters are emboldened by a spicy harmony and a lush, viscous texture. Refreshing and concentrated with a lemony twist of acidity. Alc 13.5%
Simčič Karol & Igor & Marijan, Sivi Pinot Vineyards Selection, Goriška Brda, Primorska 2022
Silver, 94 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Plenty of new and glossy oak aromas, notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. Attractive and complex, ripe pear and honeyed flavours. Alc 13%
Dveri Pax, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 2022
Silver, 93 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Lifted and floral nose with delicate notes of peaches and tropical fruit. Expressive and peppery palate, with a refreshing finish. Alc 13%
M-Enostavno Dobra Vina, Goodfella, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 2021
Silver, 92 points
100% Pinot Gris
Citrusy nose with aromas of pear, yellow fruit and apple blossom undertones. Refined on the palate, with a lingering finish. Alc 13%
Puklavec Family, Seven Numbers, Štajerska Slovenija, Podravje 2022
Silver, 92 points
100% Pinot Grigio
Moderate intensity nose showing aromas of apples, pears and hints of oak. Dry and refreshing, with lemon and orange peel notes. Alc 13.5%
