Can Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio grow hand in hand?

The popular grape variety is going through an exciting renaissance phase. Winning a medal at the Global Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris Masters could help your wines stand out in a crowded market. Enter before 28 May.

Pinot Grigio’s success story is unlike any other. Although it has become one of the most popular grape varieties in the world, it suffers from a harsh prejudice, such as not being interesting or complex enough, especially from wine connoisseurs.

“For a grape that is incredibly widely recognised, there is a lack of understanding of its potential”, regretted Ray O’Connor MW at the Delle Venezie DOC International Forum in November 2023.

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris is capable of great versatility, with two profiles so distinct a different name is generally used.

Pinot Gris is the original name of this variety native to France, but has also become a way to designate richer, more textured expression of the grape variety.

Pinot Grigio, with North-East Italy as a powerhouse (Delle Venezie DOC region produces 200 million bottles annually, representing more than 40% of the output worldwide), traditionally offers a lighter, crisper and refreshing style of white wine. The Italian style is also premiumising, which is sometimes difficult to convey to the consumers expecting a fresh, simple style.

In the midst of this Pinot Gris Renaissance, and to accelerate the process of overcoming stereotypes, what could be better than entering your wine in a dedicated competition?

Winning a medal at the Global Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris Masters can help consumers identify the best expressions offered by the grape variety, taking into account the style and price range. Last year’s competition identified impressive Pinot Grigio from Veneto and Friuli, as well as Pinot Gris from New Zealand, Australia, Oregon, and even England.

In June, a judging panel composed of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior buyers will gather to blind taste Pinot Grigio from all over the world.

Entries are open for another three weeks, to any Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio varietals or blends with at least 50% of Pinot Grigio. Results will be published in the July issue of the drinks business magazine and online, putting your wine in front of thousands of wine professionals and enthusiasts.

Gris or Grigio, we want to taste your Pinot: enter the competition here before 28 May 2024.

Entries cost: £159 ex VAT
For more information contact: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com