1. Also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy and Australia and as Grauburgunder and Rulander in Germany 2. Originally from Alsace in north east France – a dry, cool climate region. 3. Best known mutation of the more popular red grape, Pinot Noir. 4. Fourth most commercially successfully grape in New Zealand after Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 5. Its low acidity and light aromatic flavours make it popular because it makes unchallenging, dry and off dry white wines. 6. It has grown hugely in New Zealand from 381 hectares in 2004 to 2447 hectares in 2018 (*statistics from NZ Winegrowers). 7. It now makes up 8% of the vineyard area in New Zealand*. 8. Also grown in Australia, California, Germany, Hungary, Moldova and Oregon. 9. Best examples of Pinot Gris and Grigio come from cool climates where it can retain acidity for freshness and balance. 10. It’s often described as aromatic. Joelle Thomson is a wine writer, journalist and author. She’s an avid lover of wine and currently writes for Capital magazine, Good magazine, NZ Winegrower, Drinksbiz, and her own site, www.joellethomson.com She also teaches, works in radio, and more, so we've enlisted her help to sniff out our amazing value wines!