Pinot Grigio Vs Chardonnay: Food Pairings
When you are looking for the best food to go with a certain type of white wine, there are several factors that you should consider. For example, Pinot Grigio has a light, fruity flavor and is great with delicate seafood. Chardonnay is a bit heavier and can taste a little oaky, but it is a much lighter wine. Despite the similarity in appearance, both of these wines are highly acidic, making them suitable for a number of food pairings.
Among the different foods that go well with each of these wines is their versatility. Pinot Grigio goes especially well with seafood, chicken, and salad. It also works well with light pasta dishes and seafood. However, do not try pairing the two wines with sharp cheeses as this could overpower the delicate flavours of the wine. It would be better to stick to mild cheeses that will enhance the fruity, sweet notes of the pinot grigio.
The difference between the two grapes lies in their production regions. Pinot Grigio, or Gris in French, is a light, fruity white wine that is generally dry and crisp. Its distinctive colour makes it easy to identify, but the two grapes are actually very similar, but have subtle differences in style. Pinot Grigio is known to be slightly more complex than its French counterpart.
And What Is Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a name of a village in Macon, Burgundy. The name itself means a place full of thistles. Chardonnay grapes can virtually thrive in nearly all kinds of soils and climates. Chardonnay was actually an accidental cross of gouais blanc pinot noir grapes.
But now look, the accident led to the most popular white wine in the globe. The grapes have neutral flavors with their skins being green in color.
It is also worth noting that depending on the climate chardonnay has been grown, the wine might take different tastes.
Producing Chardonnay Vs Pinot Grigio
Burgundy, France, is well-known for producing the red grape Pinot Noir, yet vineyards and wineries produce more Chardonnay. Sixty percent of Burgundys production is Chardonnay compared to 30 percent of Pinot Noir.
Pinot Grigio is a famous wine in Italy and the second most popular white wine in the United States. The grapes are mutations of the Pinot Noir grape from Burgundy. The French say Pinot Gris, but its still the same grape.
The grapes distinct grey to pink color gives the name Gris, meaning grey in French, and Grigio, meaning grey in Italian. The grapes grow in California, Slovenia, and Australia. They are the same grapes, but each region differs in the wine style.
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape that adapts well to most climates and soil. Thus, the wine grape grows in almost every terroir. And is the most broadly distributed wine grape in the world.
Winemakers may blend Chardonnay with Pinot Noir to make sparkling wines, but they rarely make white blends with Chardonnay.
Yet, the grapes play a significant role in the production of Champagne and other sparkling wines, like Trento and Crémant. The Blanc de Blancs on Champagne labels usually means 100 percent Chardonnay.
Based on the winemakers preference, Pinot Grigio wine is either light or medium-bodied, with intense acidity to almost full-bodied with a rich texture. Usually, they are dry, unoaked, and unblended.
Also Check: Can You Ship Wine To Colorado
The Best Glass To Use For Chardonnay
Drinking from the wrong glass can have a significant impact on a wines taste and smell.
Its best to drink a Chardonnay from a larger, wide-rimmed glass for the aromas to develop fully. This kind of glass helps in balancing different flavors out.
The glasss wide-opening design allows the wine to flow freely from one side of your palate to the other. And that brings out all the wine’s characteristics in the right quantity.
What Is Similar About Chardonnay And Pinot Grigio
Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are white wines from France. They both have fruity flavors, although the kind of fruit differs. Theyre sometimes aged in oak barrels, although this is more common for Chardonnay than Pinot Grigio. The latter is usually lightly oaked, which means winemakers try to impart only slight oak influences. This is achieved by aging them in used oak barrels instead of new ones, or sometimes oaked wine is blended with unoaked wine.
Both wines can pair well with seafood like scallops and crab salad. The key to finding a good pairing for them is to think light and steer clear of heavy dishes like steak or meatloaf.
You May Like: Who Owns Black Box Wine
Pinot Grigio Vs Sauvignon Blanc Vs Chardonnay
In the following few sections, well compare Pinot Grigio to Sauvignon Blanc and then Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to make your purchasing decision a little easier.
After that, well discuss many different elements about each wine, including its grapes, growing region, food pairings, and more.
It would help if you were pretty comfortable choosing any of these options when you finish reading this article.
Is Merlot Or Cabernet Sweeter
Cabernet Sauvignon is very rich and robust, while Merlot is a bit more delicate, and serves up a slightly fruitier flavor. And while both wines are considered dry, Merlot tends to be balanced towards a slightly sweeter flavor profile, making it easier to drink. This is reflected in how these wines are blended.
You May Like: Where To Buy Wine Gift Baskets
Recommended Reading: How To Make Pear Wine
What Is Pinot Grigio Wine
Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio as its known in Italy and throughout much of the world, is a wine produced from the grape of the same name. Depending on where its grown, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio can be crafted into cheap and cheerful bottles that sell for less than $10 and that provide the kind of uncomplicated wine pleasures associated so readily with the style: Citrus fruit, fresh acidity, and a relatively short finish that doesnt dominate the foods its sipped alongside. Yet there are also plenty of producers who work real magic with the grape variety, crafting wines of serious accomplishment and refinement.
Recommended Reading: How To Start A Wine Club
The Main Differences Between Chardonnay Vs Pinot Grigio
The main differences between Chardonnay vs Pinot Grigio are:
- Chardonnay comes from green-skinned grapes, whereas Pinot Grigio comes from grayish-blue grapes.
- Chardonnay is usually a creamy wine with a fresh-cut grass aroma, whereas Pinot Grigio is tart and light.
- Chardonnay is considered to be a more complex wine, whereas Pinot Grigio is a more simple wine.
Don’t Miss: Strawberries & Champagne Victoria’s Secret
How To Choose The Right Wine
When choosing Pinot Grigio vs Chardonnay, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
The alcohol content. If you want a lower alcohol wine, go for pinot grigio. If you dont mind a higher alcohol wine, chardonnay is a good option.
The climate. If you want wine from a cooler climate, choose chardonnay. If you want wine from a warmer climate, PG is a good choice.
The food pairing. If you want a versatile wine that goes with many different types of food, pinot is a good choice. If you want a wine that pairs well with richer dishes, chardonnay is a good option.
The vintage. If you want a wine from the current year, pinot grigio and chardonnay are both good choices. If you want a wine from a previous vintage, you may want to check with the winemaker to see if they have any releases.
The price. If you are on a budget, there are many affordable two wine blends available. If you are willing to spend more, there are also many high-quality single varietal wines available.
How To Pair Pinot Grigio With Food
Wine lovers rejoice! Weve got the perfect guide to pairing Pinot Grigio with food.
Pinot Grigio is a versatile white wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of different dishes. Whether youre looking for a light and refreshing wine to pair with your seafood dinner or a rich and creamy wine to enjoy with your favorite pasta dish, Pinot Grigio is the perfect choice.
Here are a few of our favorite food and Pinot Grigio pairings:
-Light appetizers such as oysters, sushi, or grilled vegetables
-Rich and creamy pasta dishes
-Grilled or roasted chicken or fish
-Fruit-based desserts
So, next time youre planning a meal, dont forget to include a bottle of Pinot Grigio on your shopping list. Your taste buds will thank you!
Also Check: How To Make Wine Easy
How To Serve Chardonnay
A temperature can make a wine unpronounced or emphasize it based on its components.
Whites need a chill to lift delicate aromas and acidity. The best way to serve Chardonnay is when its chilled. If you serve it warm, the flavors get mixed up, and when you serve it too cold, the flavors die out. If the wine is less oaky, you can serve it closer to 50°F.
To chill it, stick reds and whites in the fridge and remove them an hour or two before serving. It doesn’t make any significance if you opt to chill your bottles in the door, but it’s best to place them back on a shelf or in the crisper bins if you frequently open the chiller door.
Some Popular Chardonnay Wines
Joseph Drouhin Laforet Chardonnay: This wine is from the Burgundy region of France. It is a medium-bodied, dry wine with flavors of citrus and green apple.
Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Chardonnay: This wine is from the Beaujolais region of France. It is a medium-bodied, dry wine with flavors of cherry and raspberry.
Beringer Main & Vine Chardonnay: This wine is from the California region of the United States. It is a medium to full-bodied, sweet wine with flavors of pineapple and grapefruit.
Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay: This wine is from the California region of the United States. It is a full-bodied, dry wine with flavors of oak and butter.
Recommended Reading: How Many Calories In Chardonnay
Guide To Pinot Gris Wine
Is there a difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris? No, not technically speaking. They are the same.
Since the grape has had cultural significance in both Italy and France, we use the words Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio interchangeably throughout this article.
Get the Wine 101 Course FREE with the purchase of Wine Folly: Magnum Edition.
What About Moscato Or Sauvignon Blanc Which One Is Sweeter
If you could have a list of the sweetest to driest wine Moscato and Sauvignon Blanc would be at opposite ends from each other.
Moscato:
- Sweet wine it is lower in alcohol and would be considered a dessert wine.
- You will find Moscato to have fruit flavours such as peach and orange.
Sauvignon Blanc:
- Sauvignon Blancs fruit flavours are Green apple, passion fruit and white peach.
- Although a great pairing with many foods it has a very bold taste.
If you are new to wine drinking, I would work your way down through the wines before jumping right into Sauvignon Blanc. It is highest in alcohol content, calories and boldness, even more than chardonnay. The winner here is definitely Moscato when it comes to sweetness.
Also Check: What’s The Lowest Calorie Wine
What Is The Difference Between Chardonnay Vs Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is likely a mutant variety of Pinot Noir, but we dont know for sure. Its a French wine known in the Burgundy region since the 1200s. It eventually lost popularity in France around the 1800s because of poor crops. This is perhaps because of Frances unpredictable summers. This grape variety was also being grown in Germany at the time, but they were able to develop clones that produced a more reliable Pinot Grigio crop.
Chardonnay has a reputation of being easy to cultivate. Growing Chardonnay grapes is seen as a rite of passage among wineries. Its one of the most planted grapes in the world.
Pinot Grigio has a faint taste of honey, but honeysuckle, pear, lime, and green apple are more prominent flavors. On the other hand, Chardonnay tends to have more tropical flavors, especially when made from grapes harvested later in the summer. Pineapple, mango, and papaya are common.
Pinot Grigio Vs Chardonnay: What Are The Important Differences To Know
This is our comparison of Pinot Grigio vs Chardonnay. Weve extensively researched these two popular wines to help you pick the best for you.
Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are very popular white wine in the world. One of the pluses of Pinot Grigio is that it is affordable too.
Pinot Grigio and Unoaked Chardonnay share some similarities in terms of food pairings and structure. They both tend to be light and crisp.
Oaked Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, on the other hand, have more complexity, a different structure, and pairs well with bolder flavors dishes.
Find below our wine guide on the most important differences between these two great wines.
Youll find below our recommendation for you. Lets begin with the review!
Don’t Miss: Is 19 Crimes Red Wine Sweet
Pinot Grigio Vs Chardonnay: What’s Their Taste Profile
Here youll find a brief overview of Pinot Grigio vs Chardonnay from a taste profile point of view.
Pinot Grigio its known for its dryness, high acidity, light-body, lemon, and apple notes.
Pinot Gris on the other hand has more body, lower acidity, more complexity, and is sweeter.
Here is a brief overview of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris typical flavors:
- Pinot Grigio Minerally and Dry: apple, lemon zest, mineral.
- Pinot Grigio Fruity and Dry: apple, lemon, white peach, pear, creamy.
- Pinot Gris Fruity and Sweet: sweet lemon candy, honey, ginger, spice, ripe pear.
Chardonnay is a dry to off-dry wine with a pale lemon to deep gold color. Depending on the style it can be light, fresh, and crisp if unoaked or rich, buttery and full-bodied if oaked.
Typical flavors for unoaked Chardonnay are lemon zest, peach, honeysuckle, and green fruit or tropical fruit depending on the ripeness.
These wines tend to have medium-high acidity and a medium-full body.
Typical flavors for oaked Chardonnay are butter, vanilla, spice, apple, chalk, and citrus fruit for cool climates or tropical fruit for warm climates.
The wines tend to have medium-low acidity and a medium-full body.
Chardonnay Vs Pinot Grigio: Food Pairing Options
Choosing what to eat with these popular white wines is easy when you keep a few guidelines in mind. Lets start with Chardonnay.
There is a significant difference between oaked Chardonnay and unoaked Chardonnay.
An unoaked Chardonnay like Petit Chablis from France goes well with white meats , seafood , and several kinds of cheese like asiago and Havarti. In addition, unoaked Chardonnay goes well with lighter salads and fruits, so enjoy this wine with salad courses.
An oaked Chardonnay, like the Beringer Luminus Chardonnay, is a bit different. It is more likely to be full-bodied, so it goes well with richer foods like salmon, corn on the cob, and chicken alfredo. Love to eat salmon? Then check out my guide to the best wine with salmon.
Pinot Grigio is simpler to pair with food because it tends to be fresh and light . Think of light summer dishes like salads, seafood, and chicken dishes. Pinot Grigio doesnt pair well with heavier dishes or those that involve significant amounts of cream.
Don’t Miss: Black Chocolate In The Bottle Champagne
How Many Calories In Chardonnay Bottle
A standard bottle of chardonnay contains approximately 84 calories. However, this number can vary depending on the specific brand or vintage. Additionally, the calorie content may be higher in sweetened or dessert wines. For the most accurate nutritional information, it is best to check the label of your chosen wine.
Pinot Grigio Vs Chardonnay: How Should You Serve And Store Them
Here youll find a brief overview of Pinot Grigio vs Chardonnay in terms of serving and storing the wine.
Pinot Grigio shouldnt be decanted. The service temperature and the storing period depend on the style.
For Minerally and Fruity Pinot Grigio serve at 45 50 °F in a Pinot Grigio or Viognier glass.
The recommended storing period is 2-3 years for normal bottles.
For Pinot Gris off-dry serve at 45 50 °F in a Pinot Grigio or Viognier glass. For Pinot Gris, sweet serve at 43 56 °F in a Fortified glass.
Chardonnay shouldnt be decanted. The service temperature and the storing period depend on the style.
For Unoaked Chardonnay serve at 45 50 °F in a Chardonnay or Viognier glass. The recommended storing period is 2-3 years for normal bottles.
For Oaked Chardonnay serve at 50 55 °F in a Chardonnay or Viognier glass. The recommended storing period is 5-7 years for normal bottles.
Recommended Reading: How Many Calories In Bottle Of Chardonnay
The History Of Pinot Grigio
The Pinot Gris grape is believed to have originated in Burgundy, France. The first records of the pinot gris grape date back to the 13th century. In 1858, the pinot gris grape was officially classified as a distinct variety in the Alsace region of France. The Pinot Gris grape migrated to Italy in the 19th century, where it was eventually renamed Pinot Grigio.
Some Interesting facts about this wine:
They are typically light-bodied and dry.
The wines are typically made using the Charmat method, which involves a secondary fermentation in a tank.
It should be served chilled, between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
PG wines pair well with light dishes such as salads, fish, or chicken.
Differences Between Pinot Grigio Vs Chardonnay
Pinot grigio isnt as sweet as chardonnay due to its high acidity. Besides, pinot grigio is lighter with a little hint of green while chardonnay is heavier with a little hint of freshly cut grass.
Additionally, chardonnay is drier and full-bodied compared their pinot grigio counterparts. On the color of the grape skin, for chardonnay grape is green-skinned whereas pinot grigio grapes are either brownish-pink or grayish blue.
Don’t Miss: Wine Country Inn Jacksonville Or
Styles Of Pinot Grigio
While they are typically light-bodied and dry, there are a few different styles that you may encounter. Some PG wines are made in a richer, more full-bodied style. These wines tend to have more flavor complexity and may be aged in oak barrels.
Other wines may be made in an off-dry style, with a slight sweetness to them. Still, the others may be sparkling or frizzante, and still, others may be dessert wines.
