Quite often, when shopping for wine, people confuse themselves when deciding between a Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Gris. I’ve even heard a salesclerk or two say, “They are the same wine, just a different name.”

I cringe.

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris come from the same grape variety which has its origin in France, and that’s pretty much where the sameness ends.

First of all, “grigio” is Italian for grey and “gris” is French for grey. The wine distilled in France is Pinot Gris and the same wine in Italy is Pinot Grigio; thus the beginning of their differences – the style.

Pinot Grigio comes from Friuli in the Northeast region of Italy and shows a lighter, crisp, clean and vibrant expression of the grape, with citrus flavors. They are also a bit spicy with a more acidic structure and come with a clean finish.

In comparison, Pinot Gris wines have a greater aging potential and cellaring. They contain higher alcohol levels and are richer and full-bodied with a viscous texture. Pinot Gris mainly comes from Alsace in the Northeastern part of France on the German border.

Outside of France and Italy, winemakers will make a stylistic decision to label their wine either Grigio or Gris. Oregon, with a similar climate to France, has become a significant producer of Pinot Gris while you’ll find more Pinot Grigio coming out of California.

A couple to try:

2014 Primaterra Pinot Grigio

The 2014 vintage has just been released and this favorite from the Delle Venezie IGT appellation of Italy offers a fresh, well balanced, crisp and fruity wine showing hints of apples and fresh flowers on the palate and a very clean, medium lasting soft finish.

2013 Rainstorm Oregon Pinot Gris

With grapes sourced from the Willamette Valley, this Pinot Gris is aged for a minimum of six months on fermentation lees for a rich yet bright body. There is no oak or malolactic fermentation and the final wine is bone dry and very refreshing with aromas of crisp pear and honey blossom and flavors of mango with fresh acidity.