Wines You’ll Like If You Drink Pinot Grigio
A simple guide to wines you’ll enjoy if you usually drink Pinot Grigio.
When you think about white wine, Pinot Grigio is probably one of the first bottles that comes to mind. Whether you’re a fan or not (I’ll admit I often sit in camp“not”), it’s one of the most commonly drunk wines in the UK – right up there with Sauvignon Blanc on most wine lists.
If Pinot Grigio is your usual go-to, it’s more than likely the first bottle you reach for without thinking when you’re browsing the supermarket shelves. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But at some point, it’s worth trying something slightly different.
The good news is you don’t need to make a big leap. There are plenty of wines that sit in a similar space – light, easy, and unpretentious – just with a bit more character.
What Pinot Grigio actually tastes like
Bright, zesty and tangy, Pinot Grigio is known for being a high-acidity, dry white wine, primarily from Northern Italy. It’s light-bodied, generally, and typically has subtle citrus, green apple and pear notes.
What makes it such a staple is that it’s not particularly overpowering. Pinot Grigio is often subtle and crisp, and usually very reliable – a perfect easy-drinking, crisp white wine that’s often a crowd-pleaser at a great price.
That’s also why it works so well on its own, or alongside lighter dishes like salads, seafood, or simple pasta.
Depending on where it’s from, it can vary slightly:
- Italy: light, crisp, and easy-drinking
- France (Pinot Gris): a bit richer, sometimes with more texture
- New World styles e.g. New Zealand and Australia: slightly fruitier and more expressive
The best Pinot Grigio alternatives to try next
These wines share a similar light, fresh style as Pinot Grigio, but each brings something a little different to the glass. Think of them as easy swaps that stay close to what you already like.
Soave
Soave is an Italian white wine made from the Garganega grape. It’s light and fresh, with subtle citrus and almond notes, and a slightly softer texture than Pinot Grigio.
Why it works: It keeps that easy-drinking, refreshing style, but with a bit more character and depth.
Pinot Gris
Same grape. Different name. Richer flavour.
Strangely, even though it’s the same grape, Pinot Gris feels quite different from Pinot Grigio. It’s a bit richer, a bit rounder, and has more ripe fruit going on. If you like Pinot Grigio for its easy-drinking style, Pinot Gris still sits in that world — just with a bit more depth and flavour.
Why it works: Same grape as Pinot Grigio, but with more richness, riper fruit notes, and a slightly fuller feel without losing that easy-drinking character.
Picpoul
A white wine from the south of France, Picpoul is known for its high acidity and bright citrus notes. It’s very refreshing, especially when served cold.
Why it works: It offers the same light, crisp feel as Pinot Grigio, with a sharper, more zesty edge.
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How to choose your next wine
Start with what you already enjoy about Pinot Grigio. If the lightness and easy-drinking qualities of Pinot Grigio, keep with wines of the same style. If you want something with a bit more flavour, try one of the slightly more expressive options like Pinot Gris – same grape, rounder flavour.
The goal isn’t to find an exact replacement – it’s to explore wines that feel familiar, while giving you something new to enjoy.
More tips for beginners
If you’re not sure where to begin, start here.
