A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Pinot Gris
Learn how to correctly pronounce the popular white wine Pinot Gris with this simple guide.
pinot gris
PEE-noh GREE
/ˈpiːnoʊ ˈɡriː/ · pi · no · gris
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It is a standard white wine variety often compared to Pinot Grigio, which is the Italian name for the same grape.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from the French words pinot, likely derived from pine due to the shape of the grape clusters, and gris, meaning gray, referring to the dusty appearance of the grape skins.
Common ways people get it wrong
- PEE-noh GRISS English speakers often try to pronounce the final 's' because it looks like the English word 'griss', but in French, the 's' is silent.
- PIE-no GREE The first syllable is 'pee', not 'pie'; avoid the long 'i' sound common in English words.
Frequently asked
Is the s in Pinot Gris silent?
Yes, the final s is silent in French. You should end the word with the long e sound of gree.
Is Pinot Gris the same as Pinot Grigio?
They are the same grape variety, but the styles often differ based on the region. Pinot Gris is typically the French name, while Pinot Grigio is the Italian name.
How do you say Pinot Gris in a restaurant?
Simply ask for a glass of PEE-noh GREE. The staff will understand you perfectly with that pronunciation.