Know that Pinot Gris and Grigio are the same grape. Gris implies the fruity, French style and Grigio is the dry, crisp, Italian style. Unlike wines like Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, Pinot Grigio has quite a neutral nose. There is a distinct acidity to Pinot Grigio (which feels like a little weight on the middle of your tongue) that is unique to the varietal. 

Now, to make it even more interesting, there are 3 types of Pinot Grigio out there. 

Dry and Mineral (Like the Sensi "Collezione" Pinot Grigio IGT Veneto)

Dry and Fruity (Like the Sensi "Filo Grigio" Pinot Grigio IGT Sicilia)

Sweet and Fruity (Like Grigios from Alsace)

Moving to Chardonnay, the most planted and highly adaptive grape in the world. Pinot Grigio lovers have told me in the past they don't like Chardonnay because its 'too oaky' or 'too buttery' or 'too heavy'. The beautiful thing about Chardonnay is it comes in 2 forms. 

Unoaked and Oaked.

Pinot Grigio lovers, try unoaked Chardonnay (like Elysian Springs Chardonnay). Unoaked chardonnay is lean, mineral, fresh with characters of white flowers and citrus. It's more pale in colour. Pick up a Chablis to experience this kind of chardonnay.

However, an oaked Chardonnay (like Pemberley Chardonnay), will have a deeper, gold colour and have characters of vanilla, brioche, butter and cream. These beauties can age for 5-10 years and just get better and better. 

Elysian Springs - Chardonnay 

Gentle pressing followed and the free run juice started fermentation in small stainless steel tanks between 12 to 14 degrees Celsius, then finished fermentation in seasoned French Oak barriques and was left to rest for some 4 to 6 months.

I'll try a bottle!

Permbery - Chardonnay 

The wine displays white peach, melon and subtle French Oak characters on the nose. The palate is rich, full flavoured, has wonderful texture and complexity with a long crisp finish.

I'll try a bottle!