THE BEST ENGLISH PINOT GRIS FOR ALL TASTES & BUDGETS.
Pinot Gris is one of the most prolific white wine grapes growing in England. It is unfashionable to say, but I very much enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio, so the English cousin – Pinto Gris, absolutely tickles my pickle.
This blog post explains the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris, I’ll recommend three great English Pinot Gris wines to try and give you some serving suggestions.
What’s the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinto Grigio
First off, Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are the same grape variety. The difference in the names usually points to different styles of wine, which is heavily influenced by the region and the winemaking techniques. The name “Pinot Grigio” is Italian, and these wines are typically light, crisp, and fresh. Think of sipping a glass on a sunny Italian piazza, and you get the picture!
On the other hand, “Pinot Gris” is what they call it in France, specifically in the Alsace region, where the style tends to be richer, sometimes sweeter, and more full-bodied. Now, when it comes to English Pinot Gris, it’s more akin to the French style—think richer, fuller, and definitely more aromatic. It’s like the wine equivalent of a hearty English breakfast; it packs more into each sip!
Best English Pinot Gris for all tastes & budgets
1 / The Connoisseur’s Choice: Freedom of the Press, Pinot Gris 2021 – For those who love a bit of luxury, but with a wild side, the Freedom of the Press Pinot Gris is ideal. Grown in Essex, but bottled at an urban winery in The Cotswolds, this wine has been on a bit of a journey. To taste, it is smooth, a little buttery but fruit forward too.
Buy it from Grape Britannia for £22.49.
2 / Daily Sipper: Denbies , Flint Valley – If you’re after something that’s good quality yet easy on the wallet, Denbies Wine Estate has got you covered.
It’s bright, it’s fruity, and it dances on the tongue with flavors of citrus and pear. It’s the kind of wine you’ll want to come home to after a long day. This wine is not 100% Pinot Gris, but offers an enchanting blend of four grapes including PG.
Buy it on the Grape Britannia website for £11.99
3 / The sheer delight: Yotes Court Loose Rein Pinot Gris 2021: Yotes Court is one of my favourite vineyards to visit in Kent, but their wine is equally delightful to sip at home.
This Pinot Gris is anything but traditional, hence the name “Loose Rein”. It is a wild adventure of spice, lime and floral notes. At 12% it is a stronger white wine, but feels light and refreshing to taste.
Available at Grape Britannia for £18.99
4/ The curveball: Oastbrook Estate Pinot Gris – a delightful summer drop. Citrus hit, floral honeysuckle and a delicate peppery hit. Very easy drinking and perfect for a summer BBQ. Buy it direct from the vineyard here for £23.50.
Should English Pinot Gris be chilled?
The short answer is that yes, Pinot Gris should be chilled. Just like it’s Italian cousin Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris is best served at a lovely chilled temperature.
While we might be tempted to throw it in the freezer and forget it, that’s not quite the way to go. You’ll want to serve your Pinot Gris chilled, but not too chilled.
Aim for about 10-12°C (50-54°F). This keeps the wine refreshing but doesn’t mute those gorgeous aromas and flavors. Think of it as giving the wine just enough chill to be cool, without giving it a cold shoulder!
As for the debate about adding ice? Honestly, I’m for it in some circumstances. If I’ve got a cheap bottle of Pinot Grigio on a sunny day, chances are, I’ll throw a bit of ice in it. But English Pinot Gris is a little more refined that that, so I’d avoid adding ice personally!
Glasses for Pinot Gris
Something like this Villeroy & Boch white wine glass is ideal for Pinot Gris. Pick a glass with a smaller bowl.
Ideas for Pinot Gris food pairing
One of the best parts about Pinot Gris is its versatility when it comes to food. Here are some pairing ideas that’ll make your next meal a hit:
Seafood – Pinot Gris and seafood are like best mates. The wine’s crispness just works wonders with the fresh, briny flavors of fish. Try it with a grilled sea bass or go fancy with a creamy lobster risotto. You’ll see what I mean!
Recipe suggestion – try this Lobster Mac & Cheese.
Poultry – Chicken or turkey, especially if it’s roasted or dressed in a light herby sauce, loves the company of Pinot Gris. The wine’s fruity notes and refreshing acidity make it a great match for the light, savory flavors of these meats.
Recipe suggestion – try this herbed chicken, peach and feta salad.
Spice It Up – Love a bit of spice? Pinot Gris is surprisingly good with spicy foods, balancing out the heat with its fruit-forward profile. Pour a glass with your next Thai or Indian meal, and watch how it tames the spice while enhancing the flavors.
Recipe suggestion – try this French bean & duck thai curry.
Cheese – Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert? Absolutely. The creamy texture and rich flavors of the cheese paired with the crisp and aromatic Pinot Gris—it’s a pairing that’ll have you reaching for more.
Recipe suggestion – try these baked potato skins with brie & truffle.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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