What are the different types of Pinot?

Almost everyone is familiar with Pinot Noir – it’s a dark-skinned grape that’s difficult to work with produces a beautiful wine that can be very complex. But what are the different types of Pinot? You might be surprised just how many variations of Pinot there are – and they are all genetic variations of a common ancestor in one way or another.

1. Pinot Gris aka Pinot Grigio: Produces white wines that can range from rich and full-bodied with notes of peach and almond (Pinot Gris) to light and crisp with citrus and green apple flavors (Pinot Grigio).
2. Pinot Blanc: Produces white wines that are generally light to medium-bodied.
3. Pinot Meunier: Often used in Champagne blends, and also produced as a wine on its own.
4. Pinot Noir Précoce (Frühburgunder): A little-known variation of Pinot Noir also known by many other names (check this website to see the names).
5. Pinot Liébault: Another clone of Pinot Noir.
6. Pinot Teinturier: A rare variety with red flesh, used mostly for blending to add colour to wines.
7. Pinot Gouges: An extremely rare mutation of Pinot Noir that produces white wine, primarily found in Burgundy.

Each of these variations tastes slightly different from each other. And of course, what the winemaker does makes all the difference too!

Find out what you can pair with a Pinot wine (and other wines) in my conversation with Allie Pearce.