Explore These Five Alternatives to Pinot Grigio
I’m not a Pinot Grigio hater—it’s light, refreshing, and perfectly suited for summer. Whether on the beach or at aperitivo, Pinot Grigio is an easy go-to. But I think we can all agree it gets boring after a while, right?
Although many want to venture outside of their comfortable, Pinot Grigio-filled bubbles, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially amid European wines that are often named for regions, not grapes. If you’re in this camp, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five alternatives to Pinot Grigio that are perfect for someone who is searching for options to their usual pour. These wines are similar to Pinot Grigio in their lightness and flavors, but offer more complexity and nuance. And they’re all under $25. It’s time to explore new-to-you white wines!
Muscadet
Muscadet is a style of French white wine from near the Atlantic Ocean in the western portion of the Loire Valley. It is made from Melon de Bourgogne grapes from across three sub-appellations, including the well-known Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine. Muscadet is a dry, high acid wine with yeasty, nutty, and saline notes. (“Sur lie” means “aged on yeast lees.”) These wines pair perfectly with seafood, especially shellfish.
Domaine de la Pepiere “La Pepie” Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie 2022, $20
Chereau Carre Chateau de la Chesnaie Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine 2021, $14
Domaine du Haut Bourg Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu Sur Lie 2022, $18
Picpoul de Pinet
Picpoul de Pinet is another maritime wine, but this time we are in the South of France along the Mediterranean Sea. This style of wine is made from Picpoul grapes within a small appellation in the Languedoc wine region. “Picpoul” means “lip stinger” and these wines live up to their name. They are highly refreshing, acidic wines with citrusy notes. For pairing, remember this rule: what goes together goes together. Light Mediterranean fare is the best match for Picpoul.
Moulin de Gassac Picpoul de Pinet 2022, $17
Domaine Font-Mars Picpoul de Pinet 2021, $14
Gerard Bertrand Terroir Picpoul de Pinet 2020, $19
Vinho Verde
Hailing from the Minho region in Northern Portugal, Vinho Verde is a light, sometimes spritzy white wine. Its name means “green wine” or “young wine.” Although the Vinho Verde appellation allows red and rosé styles, the overwhelming majority of Vinho Verde wines are made from white grapes of Alvarinho, Arinto, Azal, Avesso, Loureiro, and Trajadura. These wines are light in body and alcohol and often have notes of lemon and grapefruit. Try it with Portuguese-style fish dishes like Bolinhos de Bacalhau (fried cod balls).
Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde 2022, $14
Casa do Valle Vinho Verde Branco 2022, $16
Niepoort Docil Vinho Verde 2022, $18
Greco di Tufo
Greco is an Italian white wine grape from the Campania region of Southern Italy. It is most commonly produced under the Greco di Tufo appellation, but there are regional versions as well. “Di Tufo” means from the town of Tufo, which is named for the volcanic tuff rock that it sits on. In addition to citrus notes, Greco-based wines share Pinot Grigio’s almond characteristic. My favorite dish to pair with Greco is Cacio e Pepe, a pasta dish from Lazio just north of Campania.
Mastroberardino Mastro Greco 2019, $20
Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo 2021, $25
Terredora di Paolo Greco di Tufo Loggia della Serra 2021, $25
Soave
Like Pinot Grigio, Soave is from Northeastern Italy. Located around the city of Verona in the Veneto region, the region is broken into several zones, including a Classico zone for the historic hillside vineyards. Soave’s primary grape is Garganega and its secondary grapes are Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay. Its stone fruit and orange notes sing next to light meats like pork and chicken, as well as meaty fishes like swordfish and mahi mahi.
