Pinot Grigio vs Chardonnay

When it comes to white wines, there are two varieties that are often compared: pinot grigio vs chardonnay. They are two of the most popular white wines on the market. It’s hard to say which white wine is better. Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing, and some people prefer the crispness of one, while others enjoy the richer flavor and buttery taste of chardonnay. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. 

Wines from the Penedes region of south-eastern France are known for their light-bodied Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay wines. These types have fewer grapes than other varieties, which results in them being fruity with flavors like apples or pears but never prominently so.

That makes it perfect if you’re looking to introduce someone who doesn’t usually drink wine to something more accessible yet still complex enough that he won’t be able to put down his glass soon after setting eyes on its pretty packaging!

If you’re like most wine drinkers, you probably have a few favorite types of wine that you like to drink on a regular basis. But if you’re not familiar with the different types of white wines out there, it can be tough to decide which one to order at a restaurant or buy at a store. 

So how do you decide which one to buy? In order to make an informed decision, it’s important to understand the key differences between Pinot Grigio vs Chardonnay. In this post, we’ll analyze it so you can make the best choice for your next dinner party or gathering.

What Is Pinot Grigio?

Pinot grigio is a type of white wine that originated in the Burgundy region of France. It is made from the pinot gris grape, which has a grayish-blue color. The wine is light-bodied and has a refreshing, slightly fruity flavor. Pinot grigio is one of the most popular types of white wine in the world.

Pinot grigio is best served chilled. It pairs well with lighter fare such as salads and seafood dishes. Pinot grigio can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.

When selecting a bottle of pinot grigio, look for one that has a fresh, fruity aroma. The flavor of the wine should be crisp and clean, with no off-putting flavors. Pinot grigio is best consumed within a year of its vintage date.

All characteristics of this wine:

-Light-bodied

-Fruity flavors

-Dry

-Moderate acidity levels

How Is Pinot Grigio Made?

They are typically made using the Charmat method. This is a bulk fermentation process where the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in a tank. The wine is then bottled under pressure, which traps the carbon dioxide gas in the wine, giving it its signature effervescence.

How To Serve Pinot Grigio

It is best served chilled, between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. This white wine pairs well with light starters and main dishes, such as salads, seafood, and chicken.

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.

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.

How To Store Pinot Grigio

-It is a white wine, and as such, should be stored in a cool, dark place.

-They are best enjoyed within a year or two of their vintage date.

Some Popular Pinot Grigio Wines

– Santa Margherita Pinot: This wine is from the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy. It is a light-bodied, dry wine with flavors of citrus and green apple.

– Ruffino Lumina Pinot: This wine is from the Tuscany region of Italy. It is a light-bodied, dry wine with flavors of citrus and white flowers.

– Cavit Pinot Grigio: This wine is from the Lombardy region of Italy. It is a light-bodied, dry wine with flavors of citrus and white peach.

– Jermann Pinot Grigio: This wine is from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. It is a light-bodied, dry wine with flavors of citrus and honey.

Pairing Food

– They pair well with light dishes such as salads, fish, or chicken.

– It can also be paired with mildly flavored cheeses such as mozzarella or brie.

– Avoid drinking PG with spicy food, as the spice can accentuate the wine’s acidity levels.

What Is Chardonnay?

It is a type of white wine that originates from the chardonnay grape. This grape is believed to have originated in Burgundy, France. They produce a medium to full-bodied wine with fruity, floral, and buttery flavors. These wines can be either dry or sweet, and they typically have high acidity levels.

All characteristics:

-Medium to full-bodied

-Fruity, floral, and buttery flavors

-Can be either dry or sweet

-High acidity levels

How Is Chardonnay Made?

They are typically made using the traditional method, which involves fermentation in oak barrels. This gives the wine its characteristic buttery flavor. Chardonnay wines may also be aged in stainless steel tanks, which produces a fresher, fruitier style of wine.

How To Serve Chardonnay

They should be served at cellar temperature, which is between 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The History of Chardonnay 

The chardonnay grape is believed to have originated in Burgundy, France. The first documented mention of the grape was in the 15th century. Chardonnay wines became popular in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world.

Some Interesting Facts About Chardonnay

– Chardonnay is the most popular type of white wine in the United States.

– It is one of the few types of wine that can be made in a sparkling style.

– This wine is often used as a blending grape, particularly in Champagne.

Pros and Cons of Chardonnay

Pros:

– It is a versatile grape that can be made in a variety of styles.

– They are food-friendly and pair well with many different dishes.

Cons:

– Chardonnay wines can be high in calories.

– Some people find the buttery flavors of Chardonnay to be off-putting.

– Chardonnay can be a bit too heavy for warm weather drinking.

Styles of Pinot Grigio

– Dry: Dry wines have little or no sweetness to them. These wines are light-bodied and crisp, with flavors of citrus and white flowers.

– Off-Dry: Off-dry wines have a slight sweetness to them. These wines are also light-bodied, but they may have richer fruit flavors than dry.

– Sparkling: Sparkling PG wines are carbonated and may be either dry or off-dry. These wines are light and refreshing, with flavors of citrus and green apple.

– Frizzante: Frizzante Pinot wines are slightly sparkling wines that are usually off-dry. These wines are light and refreshing, with fruit flavors such as citrus, melon, and peach.

How To Store Chardonnay

-Chardonnay is a white wine, and as such, should be stored in a cool, dark place.

-Chardonnay wines are best enjoyed within a year or two of their vintage date.

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 Vintner’s 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.

Pairing Food

-Chardonnay wines pair well with rich dishes such as lobster, crab, or cream-based sauces.

-Chardonnay wines can also be paired with aged cheeses such as cheddar or Gruyere.

-Avoid drinking chardonnay with spicy food, as the spice can accentuate the wine’s acidity levels.

See more: What should you pay attention to when buying Chardonnay?

What’s the Difference Between Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio?

Tasting Notes

As with all wines, the taste is the first thing many people care about when comparing different wines, including Pinot Grigio vs Chardonnay. The flavor profile of a wine is determined by many factors, including the grape variety, the region where it was grown, and the winemaking process.

PG can be lightweight due to its simplicity compared to Playoffazzo style Chardon’s which have hints from citrus flavors through flowers plus green apple aromas too! This is because they are made with a single grape variety and are not aged in barrels.

Chardonnay on the other hand is the king of white wines. It’s full-bodied and has more notes that create a complex flavor profile, such as oak or buttery qualities with tropical fruit undertones in some cases (like lemons). This is due to the fact that they are made with different grape varieties and are aged in different types of barrels.

Winemaking

The way two wines are made can have a big impact on the final product. Chardonnay is a “blank canvas” wine, which means that it can be made in many different styles depending on the winemaker’s preferences.

For example, some Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels, while others are not. This process can add different flavors and aromas to the wine.

The other one, on the other hand, is typically made in a stainless steel tank, which preserves the grape’s natural flavor.

Origin

The French province of Burgundy is home to some of the world’s best Chardonnay grapes. The Italian region Piedmont also produces PG, one-third smaller but just as flavorful as its larger cousin– Laurentcenserre has been producing top-quality wines since Roman times!

Besides, Chardonnay grapes are grown in many different regions around the world. Some of the most popular chardonnay-producing regions include France, Italy, Australia, and California.

PG grapes are typically grown in cooler climates, such as Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Price

The price of a wine is determined by the quality of the grapes, the region where it was grown, and the winemaking process.

Chardonnay wines tend to be more expensive than the other wines because they are made with higher-quality grapes and are aged in oak barrels.

PG wines are usually less expensive because they are made with fewer grapes and are not aged in oak barrels.

They are in the range of $15–$50. On the other hand, Pinot wines are typically less expensive, with most costing between $10 and $20.

What difference does it make when it’s more expensive? The higher price tag for chardonnay wines usually indicates a higher quality wine. However, this is not always the case. There are many high-quality PG wines that are affordable and vice versa.

It all comes down to personal preference in the end. Some people prefer the complex flavor profile of chardonnay, while others find it too heavy or overwhelming. Pinot is often seen as a lighter alternative to chardonnay, and its simple flavor profile can be more refreshing.

Color

Chardonnay wines can range in color from pale yellow to golden yellow. Pinot Grigio wines are usually a light straw color.

Does the color of each wine have any effect on its quality?

The color of wine does not necessarily indicate its quality. However, it can give you some clues about how the wine was made and what kind of flavors you can expect.

For example, chardonnay wines that are aged in oak barrels tend to be darker in color because of the tannins in the wood.

Body

Chardonnay wines are typically full-bodied, while pinot wines are usually light-bodied.

What is the body? The body of a wine is determined by the ratio of alcohol to water. A full-bodied wine has more alcohol and less water, while a light-bodied wine has less alcohol and more water.

The body of a wine can also be affected by the grape variety, the region where it was grown, and the winemaking process.

Pinot wines are usually light-bodied because they are made with fewer grapes and have less alcohol.

Chardonnay wines are typically full-bodied because they are made with more grapes and have more alcohol.

Serving Temperature

Before going to the difference between chardonnay and pinot grigio in serving temperature of each wine it is probably a good idea to answer this question first.

How does serving temperature affect the flavor of each wine? Serving temperature can have a big impact on the flavor of a wine. If a wine is too cold, you may not be able to taste all of its flavors. If a wine is too warm, it can taste flat or overly alcoholic.

The ideal serving temperature for chardonnay is 50–60°F. This temperature allows the wine to express its full range of flavors, from fruity to oaky.

The ideal serving temperature for pinot grigio is 45–50°F. This temperature brings out the wine’s fruity flavors and helps to refresh the palate.

Whites wines, in general, are best served chilled. But, while PG can be enjoyed immediately after being refrigerated, chardonnay usually benefits from being allowed to “breath” for a short time after being poured. This means that you should pour the wine into your glass and then let it sit for 5-10 minutes before drinking.

Aging Potential

Chardonnay wines tend to have a longer aging potential than other ones. This is because they are made with higher-quality grapes and are aged in oak barrels, which helps to improve their flavor.

Pinot wines are typically meant to be consumed young and fresh. However, there are some wines that can be aged for a few years.

So, if you’re looking for a wine that will improve with age, chardonnay is the better option. But, if you want a wine that you can drink right away, pinot grigio is the way to go.

Tannins

Tannins are compounds that are found in the skins and seeds of grapes. They can also be found in oak barrels. Tannins give the wine its astringent taste and can make your mouth feel dry.

Chards have more tannins because they’re made with higher-quality grapes that are aged for longer periods of time before release;

Meanwhile, PGs typically lack this bitterness thanks to being grown on less productive land which results in fewer seedlings per acre crops producing smaller yields overall (though some experts say there are plenty).

Acidity

The acidity of a wine is what gives it its tart and tangy taste. Acidity is important because it helps to balance the sweetness of the wine.

If you are looking for a light, fruity white wine that is not too acidic or heavy then Pinot Grigio might be a perfect choice. It’s usually made from grapes with higher levels of acidity which gives it more flavor but can also cause someone who doesn’t like their wines overly flavorsome in a taste test!

Chardonnay, on the other hand, has lower amounts of polar molecules so they don’t stand out as much when drinking compared to PG Wines because their residual sugar content is also less.

Sugar Content

When it comes to wine, there’s a strict hierarchy in place. Dry wines have very little sugar while sweet ones contain way more!

The cause of this difference? That would be grape variety and flavor profiles- not just how much sunlight each type gets during its growing process but also anything else that might affect their overall taste like soil conditions or even what kind of containers they’re grown inside of for instance.

Dry whites get their moisture mainly from humility (the lack thereof), which makes them crisp yet refreshing with flavors hinting at iron Whereas Clafouti is a much richer, a Dessert wine that is meant to be sipped slowly after a meal because of its high sugar content which can come off as too sweet if not enjoyed in moderation.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of a wine is determined by the grape variety, climate, and winemaking process.

Chardonnay wines tend to have higher levels because they’re made from better quality grapes that are barrel-aged for longer periods (upwards of two years).

Pinot Gris also contains fewer natural sugars which means it takes more time before you get any kindness or sweetness – this suits many people’s tastes but

It has been noted that the average alcohol content in a pinot is around 12.5% while the chardonnay is around 13.5%.

Climate

Wine varies depending on the climate it’s grown in. For example, Chardonnay grapes thrive in cooler climates like France and California while pinot grigio does better when warmer countries have their hands full producing wines from hotter regions such as Italy or Australia where they can develop more flavor complexity due to increased acidity which counters overripeness caused by excessive heat during summer months.

Soil Type

The soil type is also important for wine. Chardonnay grapes need well-drained soils that are high in chalk or limestone. These types of soils help to give the wine a mineral flavor.

Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, does best in clay or sandy soils. These soils help to give the wine a fruity flavor.

Food Pairings

When it comes to food pairings, PG is a versatile wine that goes well with many different types of food. It pairs well with light appetizers, fish, and poultry.

Chardonnay is a bit more particular when it comes to food pairings. It pairs well with richer dishes such as lobster, crab, and roasted chicken.

Some recipes combined with Pinot Grigio:

– Spicy shrimp and PG pasta

– Grilled salmon with pinot sauce

– Roasted chicken with PG

Some recipes combined with Chardonnay:

– Lobster mac and cheese

– Crabcakes with chardonnay aioli

– Roasted chicken with chardonnay mustard sauce

Blending

Blending is the process of combining two or more wines to create a new wine.

Winemakers will often blend pinot with other white grapes to create a more complex flavor. Chardonnay is sometimes blended with other white grapes as well, but it is more commonly made as a single varietal wine.

Here are some affordable two wines blends:

– Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay

– Cavit Collection Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay

– Beringer White Zinfandel/Chardonnay

– Mondavi Coastal

– Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Vintage

The vintage of a wine is the year that the grapes were harvested.

Two wines are typically released within a few months after harvest, so you will usually see the current year’s vintage on store shelves.

However, some winemakers will release wine from a previous vintage if they feel it is ready to drink.

For example, if a winemaker believes that a PG from 2017 is drinking well, they may release it in 2019.

See more: pinot grigio vs sauvignon blanc

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 don’t 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.

FAQs

Which Wine Is Better for Different Occasions?

– A casual lunch: pinot grigio. Some recipes: Spicy shrimp and PG pasta, Grilled salmon with pinot sauce, and Roasted chicken with grigio.

– A formal dinner: chardonnay. Some recipes: Lobster mac and cheese, Crabcakes with chardonnay aioli, Roasted chicken with chardonnay mustard sauce.

– A party: pinot grigio or chardonnay blend. Some affordable blends: Mezza Corona Pinot /Chardonnay, Cavit Collection Pinot /Chardonnay, Beringer White Zinfandel/Chardonnay.

– A romantic evening: chardonnay. Some recipes: Crabcakes with chardonnay aioli, Roasted chicken with chardonnay mustard sauce.

– A summer barbecue: pinot grigio or chardonnay. Some recipes: Spicy shrimp and pinot pasta, Grilled salmon with PG sauce.

– A winter dinner: chardonnay. Some recipes: Lobster mac and cheese, Crabcakes with chardonnay aioli, Roasted chicken with chardonnay mustard sauce.

See more: How many glasses of wine do we have in a bottle?

What Are Some Brands of Each Wine?

Now that you know the difference between pinot grigio vs chardonnay, it’s time to choose a trusted brand and buy yourself a bottle to enjoy a great evening.

– For pinot grigio: Santa Margherita, Ruffino, and Banfi San Angelo are all popular brands.

– For chardonnay: Mondavi Coastal, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, and Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve are all popular brands.

Is There Any Difference Between Those Brands?

– Santa Margherita is a popular brand of PG that is known for its high quality.

– Ruffino is a popular brand of pinot that is known for being affordable.

– Banfi San Angelo is a popular brand of pinot that is known for being food-friendly.

– Mondavi Coastal is a popular brand of chardonnay that is known for its minerality.

– Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is a popular brand of chardonnay that is known for being versatile.

– Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve is a popular brand of chardonnay that is known for its richness.

Conclusion

That’s all the knowledge about “pinot grigio vs chardonnay” that you should not ignore, each piece of information about each type of wine will be the basis for you to enrich your knowledge.

If you’re just a drinker, that information can help make your experience better. For example, one day you open a bottle of wine and are busy with unexpected trips, the above storage method will allow you to continue the experience in the following days without losing the original taste of the wine.

And if you are a wine connoisseur who knows quite a bit about the field, then you still need to continue to hone your knowledge. There are countless alcohol products out there, whose ways to store, serve, and pair with food can all give you a headache. No one can know all about them if any, they are already a “legend”.

Never stop improving your knowledge, the more wines you know, the more valuable your collection will become. For those who are just starting to learn about wine, do not hesitate to ask questions of others to gain knowledge, no expert has been wet feet since the first day.

If you have questions, we are always ready to answer you, we are people who want to share our knowledge to make it easier for companions in the development process.

On our website, there are many other useful pieces of information related to alcohol that you can refer to. Hope you find the wine that best suits your taste.