Buying Guide
The Best Glass for Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris
Same grape, two styles: a slim glass for crisp Pinot Grigio, a rounder one for rich Pinot Gris.
By Alper Billik, Advanced Sommelier15 years serving wine
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Short on time? The sommelier’s picks
Zalto Denk’Art White Wine$$$$
AmazonCheck today’s priceRiedel Veloce Riesling$$$
AmazonCheck today’s priceSchott Zwiesel Tritan White Wine$$
AmazonCheck today’s priceChef & Sommelier Krysta White$
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How we chose
Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape made in two styles, so we picked glasses for both: slim ones that keep crisp Italian Pinot Grigio fresh, and a rounder option for the richer Pinot Gris of Alsace and Oregon. Ranked from the finest glass down to an everyday set.
Price level: $ budget · $$ everyday · $$$ mid-range · $$$$ premium. The buttons show today’s price on Amazon.
- 01
Best overall
Zalto Denk'Art White Wine
$$$$
Best for: Fine Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige and Friuli
Good Pinot Grigio is quiet and precise: pear, green apple, lemon and a touch of almond. This slim, ultra-thin glass lets those subtle notes come through, where a thick glass would make the wine taste plain.
- 02
Best from a major brand
Riedel Veloce Riesling
$$$
Best for: Crisp, everyday Pinot Grigio
A slim tulip that keeps a light white fresh and focused. Pinot Grigio needs nothing more specialised than this, and Riedel's Veloce line is machine-made, light and easy to find.
- 03
Best durable / dishwasher-safe
Schott Zwiesel Tritan (White Wine)
$$
Best for: The house white you open every week
Pinot Grigio is one of the most-poured whites in the world, so its glasses see a lot of washing. Tritan crystal goes in the dishwasher and stays clear.
- 04
Best budget
Chef & Sommelier Krysta (White)
$
Best for: A good set without overspending
For a light, everyday Pinot Grigio this is all the glass you need: the right slim shape and a fine rim at an everyday price.
- 05
The honest alternative
A universal bowl
varies
Best for: Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio is one of the least demanding wines about its glass. A good universal glass suits it well, and it is the better choice for richer Pinot Gris from Alsace or Oregon.
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Two styles, two shapes
Pinot Grigio, the Italian style, is light, dry and crisp: green apple, pear, lemon, white flowers and a hint of almond. Its aromas are delicate, so a slim white wine glass that narrows at the top keeps them together and the wine cold.
Pinot Gris, the style from Alsace and Oregon, is richer: ripe pear, honey and spice, and sometimes a little sweetness. It opens up in a rounder bowl, like the glasses in our Chardonnay guide, or a universal glass.
Serve Pinot Grigio at 7–10°C and Pinot Gris a little warmer, around 10–12°C. Pour about 4–5 oz.
Pinot Grigio glasses — FAQ
What glass is best for Pinot Grigio?
A slim white wine glass that narrows at the top. It keeps Pinot Grigio's delicate aromas of pear, green apple and lemon together and the wine cool.
What is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris?
They are the same grape. Pinot Grigio is the light, crisp Italian style; Pinot Gris is the richer style from Alsace and Oregon, with riper pear, honey and spice.
Does Pinot Gris need a different glass?
It does better in a rounder bowl, like a Chardonnay glass or a universal glass, which gives its richer aromas room to open.
Can I use a universal glass for Pinot Grigio?
Yes. Pinot Grigio is one of the least demanding wines about its glass, and a good universal glass suits it well.
What temperature should Pinot Grigio be served at?
About 7–10°C for crisp Pinot Grigio and 10–12°C for richer Pinot Gris.