Does anyone know what exactly is the difference between Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio?

Question

not so much the techinical stuff (types of grapes, etc.) but just the taste attributes. Oh, also, why does Chardonnay have a higher alcohol content than Pinot Grigio?

Answer 1

Chardonnays tend to be drier and sometimes oak flavored. That used to be my favorite type of wine, although I would sometimes wince when I drank it because it seemed a little sharp on the tongue. Kind of like the same reaction to lemonade.

Then someone introduced me to Pinot Grigio. It's a much lighter flavor, not as dry and maybe a little sweeter. It also goes down a little easier. Now I only drink Pinot Grigio, I love it so much better.

Not sure why there's a difference on alcohol content. I presumed that all wines were the same in that regard.

Answer 2

Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are two different grape Varieties.

The major difference is that Pinot grigio is not oak-aged like most Chardonnays are.

Oak gives chardonnay a more full bodied, creamy, oaky texture and taste. While most pinot grigio's tend to be lighter bodied and crisper.

Pinot Grigio is more of a quaffing wine that goes well with some cheeses, seafood and other lighter bodied foods.

Chardonnay on the other hand can go with fuller bodied food like grilled chicken, pork, cream sauces, heavier cheese.

A good rule of thumb for most domestic Chardonnay is that the more expensive it is the more time it spends in oak and the more full bodied it will be.

As for alcohol, a lot of that is attributed to ripeness - the warmer a climate, the riper the grapes get, the more sugar in the grapes, the more alcohol can be produced. Most good pinot grigios come from northern Italy which has a much shorter growing season than many of the chardonnays you will find from California and Australia. if you want to try a chardonnay that is not really high in alcohol, look for something from the Burgundy region of France.

Josh
http://www.saratogawine.com

Answer 3

Chardonnay doesn't necessarily have a higher alcohol content, but it's flavors come from the grapes used and the amount of time spent in oak casks during aging (hence the 'oakiness') typically associated with Chardonnay.

Pinot Grigio is a different grape and has a more delicate flavor. It's also aged much less in oak to keep the lighter flavor and not over do the 'oakiness'

Answer 4

Chardonnay is a fuller, richer, more flavourful wine. It can taste like various fruit (i.e. citrus, pineapple) or have vegetative tones. In contrast, Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is much lighter in flavour and smell, it's a crisp wine. Considering, Chardonnay can be enjoyed with food or without. Pinot Grigio is usually an aperitif, best before meals.

(NY wine guy gave a great answer).

Answer 5

pinot grigio is a fruitier wine, chardonnay is dry

Answer 6

the type of grape is different, and the location of where it was made are primary differences in most wines!!

Answer 7

Made from two different varieties of grapes.

Answer 8

ill drink to that