French for "gray," which presumably refers to the grayish hue of this member of the Pinot family. The colour of this grape can vary substantially, producing wines that range from white to slightly pink. The style of wines ranges from CRISP, LIGHT, and DRY-such as those produced in northern Italy (where Pinot Gris is called Pinot Grigio), to the RICH, FAT, HONEYED versions from France's ALSACE region (where Pinot Gris is called Tokay d'Alsace). Limited amounts of this grape are grown in other parts of France, as well as in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Rumania. Other than a small group of producers in Oregon, there aren't substantial Pinot Gris plantings in the United States. Pinot Gris is also known as Auxerrois Gris, Petit Gris, Pinot Beurot, Pinot Buot, R lander, and Sz kerbar t.
