Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir are two types of wine that are often confused. Even though these two wines are inherently different, they have a lot of similarities as well. Let’s take a closer look at what really separates the two types of wine from one another in order to get an idea of which is best for your wine collection. Here are the key factors that differentiate these popular wines.

7 Differences between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir

1. Acidity

Pinot Grigio is less acidic. This means that it has less bite when you taste it. Pinot Noir has a higher acidity, which gives it a bolder flavor. The difference in acidity is due to the different grapes used to make each wine. Pinot Grigio is made from the grape called “Pinot Gris”, while Pinot Noir is made from the grape known as “Pinot noir”.

2. Alcohol Content

Pinot Grigio has a higher alcohol content than Pinot Noir. This is due to Pinot Grigio’s lower acidity. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, will have more alcohol content due to its higher acidity and bold flavor.  

3. Color

Pinot Noir is darker in color than Pinot Grigio. This is due to the different grapes used to make each wine. Pinot Noir uses Pinot Noir grapes with the French word Pinot meaning “pine cone,” and Noir meaning “black.” On the other hand, Pinot Grigio uses Pinot Gris grapes with Gris meaning, “gray”, although the grapes can resemble grey, blue, or purple. 

4. Aging Potential

Pinot Noir has a longer aging potential than Pinot Grigio. This means that it will taste better and be more enjoyable if aged for a longer period. However, both wines age well and continue to improve after they are bottled and opened.

5. Food pairings

Both wines pair well with pasta dishes and seafood, but Pinot Grigio pairs better with fresh seafood and pasta dishes because it is less acidic. On the other hand, Pinot Noir pairs best with hearty Italian dishes such as pizza, lasagna, and probably any type of pasta dish.

6. Taste

Pinot Grigio has a more fruity taste because it uses lower acidity and less tannin. This gives it a more fruity flavor that pairs well with fruit dishes such as yogurt and fruit salad. On the other hand, Pinot Noir has a more earthy flavor because it uses higher acidity and tannin. This lends it a taste that is more intense and less fruity.  

7. Serve temperature

Pinot Grigio can be served at room temperature or chilled. On the other hand, Pinot Noir should be served slightly cooler than room temperature. This is because Pinot Noir will develop tannin and bitterness if it is served too warm.

Although there are similarities between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, they each have unique characteristics that make each wine different.