Looking for a refreshing white wine? If chilled sodas and lemonade are your preferred drinks, you will love this dessert wine. Pinot Grigio’s citrusy profile tickles the palate and soothes the throat. Delight in its fruity notes of pear, apples, and lime, along with notes of honeysuckle and vanilla.
Also known as Pinot Gris, this white wine was first produced in Burgundy, France. It then reached northern Italy where it became Pinot Grigio. Do Pinot Grigios come from white grapes? Not always. They range from pale rose to grayish-blue. Do you want a zesty white wine that won’t break your budget? Check out our list of the best Pinot Grigios under $50.
Best Pinot Grigio Wines Under $50
Best Overall
- Name — Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Pinot Grigio Collio
- Winery — Marco Felluga
- Country/Region — Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Collio
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Pear, Peach, Honey, Melon, Almond
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Citrus, Apricot, Apple, Honey
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Dishes, Seared Halibut, White Sauce Pasta, Seafood Risotto
This sophisticated and smooth Pinot Grigio is a great choice for lovers of white wine. It is produced on the property of Marco Felluga just on the border of Slovenia in Capriva del Friuli. Founded by a bishop named Raimondo Della Torre, the estate passed into the hands of many until it reached Marco Felluga in 1967. The business of buying and selling wine led the Felluga family to step into the industry. Michele Felluga started the business, which was then expanded into winemaking by his son, Marco. Roberto Felluga has now taken over the family business after his father, Marco.
This may be the best Italian Pinot Grigio under $50 you’ve been searching for. Take yet another sip if you’d like a taste of roasted almonds, peach, and white fruits. Serve a plate for yourself with fish and aperitif. You will never get tired of this good Pinot Grigio under $50. A glass would pair beautifully with shellfish, fish, salads, and mushrooms. What can be dreamier than a delectable meal accompanied by a glass of Pinot Grigio?
Best Value
- Name — Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Alto Adige
- Winery — Santa Margherita
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Südtirol
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Apple, Pear, Peach, Apricot, Nectarine
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Strawberry, Cherry, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Cherry, Almond, Butter
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Poultry, Seafood, Shellfish, Mozzarella Cheese, Japanese, Soufflés
Santa Margherita perfected an elegant white wine suitable for any gathering. This Pinot Grigio has a subtle lemony hue that matches its crisp taste. It is best consumed within 1-2 years. The winery was founded in 1935, and since then has encountered success in the international market. Its vineyards are in the Eastern Veneto area of the sunny Adige River valley. The company is proud of its eco-friendly practices and rich history.
A glass of this dry wine evokes citrus, apples, grapefruit, and pears. The aftertaste will surely be a delight. You can pair it with a wide variety of dishes, including omelets, mushrooms, cilantro rice, soft cheese, and shellfish. It also goes well with white meat and steak. Possibly the best Pinot Grigio wine under $50.
Best Under $40
- Name — Trimbach Pinot Gris Alsace Réserve
- Winery — Trimbach
- Country/Region — France, Alsace
- Type — French Pinot Gris
- Aroma — Cheese, Butter, Vanilla, Oak, Toast
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Black Fruits, Oak, Chocolate, Vanilla
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Semi-Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Dishes, Grilled Chicken, Cheese Crab, Seared Scallops
With this best Pinot Grigio wine under $40, you are all set for a memorable dining experience. The Trimbach family vineyard is looked after by Jean and Pierre Trimbach and their children, who are the oldest members of the 13th generation. Plus, the vineyards grow in the micro-climate near the Vosges Mountains, a place for grapes to thrive.
The 2005 vintage was ranked at the top 3% of the world’s wines, thanks to its brilliant and lovely flavor. Upon drinking, your taste buds will encounter intense notes of lime, apple, pear, and gooseberry. Earthy hints like minerals, honey, and stone are also in this rich mix. Pair this subdued golden wine with umami-filled cold cuts, pork, cooked fish, grilled chicken, and mushrooms. Even spicy foods go well with this wine.
Best From United States
- Name — King Estate Domaine Pinot Gris
- Winery — King Estate
- Country/Region — United States, Oregon
- Type — Oregon State Pinot Gris
- Aroma — Green Apple, Peach, Apricot, Citrus
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Green Apple, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Melon
- Alcohol Content — 10%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Oysters, Roasted Chicken, Shrimp Scampi
King Estate’s version of Pinot Gris is the fruit of the largest bio-dynamic vineyard in the United States. This means that each bottle of wine goes through the least amount of artificial intervention. The winery and vineyards are all in Oregon on the West Coast. On the nose, this vintage is citrusy with pleasant floral and earthy hints. Its pale-yellow color is an aesthetic addition to your dinner table.
Each sip tastes of tart green apple, apricot, lemon zest, pear, and peach. Some tasters observe more tropical flavors like lychee and kumquat. This wine is known for its elegant acidity and a long finish. This American Pinot Gris is an ideal beverage for fried calamari, salads, and smoked salmon. It acts as a counterpoint for the forceful taste of mushrooms, pork, and cured meats. If you have spicy, salty, and savory food on the menu, don’t forget to match it with this dry wine.
Best From France
- Name — Trimbach Pinot Gris Alsace Réserve Personnelle
- Winery — Trimbach
- Country/Region — France, Alsace
- Type — French Pinot Gris
- Aroma — Cherry, Vanilla, Peach, Pear, Apricot
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pear, Apple, Cantaloupe, Honey, Peach, Minerals
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Semi-Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Dishes, Foie Gras, Braised Duck Breast, Anything Seafood
Yet another vintage from Trimbach made it to this list of top Pinot Grigio wines under $50. It’s not surprising given the winery’s centuries of expertise and enviable location. Founded in 1626, this winery has sustained the art of winemaking for almost 400 years. Over a dozen generations have become part of this family-run business in Ribeauvillé, France. It’s no surprise that this sophisticated Pinot Gris continues to please the most refined tastes.
Each mouthful of this golden wine tantalizes with cherry, pear, apricot, and citrus notes. It also has a touch of honey and minerals. The bouquet evokes berries, nuts, and lychee, with a dry yet soft finish. Serve this full-bodied wine with porchetta, sausages, cold cuts, and fish.
Best From New Zealand
- Name — Maude Pinot Gris
- Winery — Maude
- Country/Region — New Zealand, South Island, Central Otago
- Type — New Zealand Pinot Gris
- Aroma — Lemon, Honeysuckle, Elderflower, Lime, Honey
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Peach, Lemon, Honeysuckle, Pear, Melon
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Thai Food, Chicken Curry, Seasoned Shellfish, Seafood Risotto
This pale straw vintage is a sure bet for any wine aficionado who is partial to a dry, full-bodied, and clean Pinot Gris. Maude was established by Sarah-Kate and Dan Dineen in 1994. Its vineyards are in Maungawera Valley, an inland area of New Zealand’s South Island.
Notice the distinctive mix of fruity, citrusy, and floral notes in this delicate wine. Apples, peach, and roses are at the forefront, which blend well with hints of stone, lime, and musk. This sensational palate also has a clean finish. Bring a bottle of Pinot Gris to your summer picnic, where it will be a great partner to pork barbecue, ham sandwiches, mushroom pasta, and spicy tacos. If you want a mouthwatering inexpensive wine, you are in for a treat. Choosing the best Pinot Grigio wine under $25 just became a reality.
Best of the Rest
St. Michael-Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Grigio
- Name — St. Michael-Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Grigio
- Winery — St. Michael-Eppan
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Südtirol
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Apple, Honey, Citrus, Gooseberry, Vanilla, Oak
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pear, Peach, Apple, Caramel Watermelon
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Pasta Vongole, Black Ink Pasta, Mushroom Pasta, Anything Seafood
Launched in 1986, this light wine soon became known as an affordable yet delicious wine. This Pinot Grigio is a product of St. Michael-Eppan Winery, which carries on the tradition of fermenting in ‘barrique’ cellars. Here, topaz-yellow Pinot Grigio wines mature in large oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks. A bottle can last more than 10 years in storage.
On the nose, it will fill you with soft aromas of apple, vanilla, and citrus. Relish the smoky and earthy notes on your tongue, followed by a smooth finish and long aftertaste. Pair it with pesto pasta, smoked salmon, or asparagus. This medium-bodied vintage is also a good match for both red and white meat.
Nals Margreid Hill Pinot Grigio
- Name — Nals Margreid Hill Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Nals Margreid
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Südtirol
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Apple, Lemon, Honey, Vanilla, Flowers
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pear, Lemon Grass, Apricot, Papaya, Minerals
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Japanese Food, Seasoned Shellfish, Mushroom Dishes, Veal Sweetbread
The company was born from the 1985 merger of two renowned wineries — Nalles and Magrè-Niclara. Today, Nals Margreid has vineyards in both the flatland and mountain regions of Alto Adige, Italy. The winemakers at Nals Margreid derive inspiration from their “geographical peculiarities.”
A taste of this wine evokes the soil types where the vines grow — marble, gneiss, mica, moraine soil, etc. The soil contributes to the saltiness of the wines. On the nose, you will find traces of apple, vanilla, apricot, pear, peach, and honey. You will be greeted with a taste of lemon on the first sip along with more mineral notes. Match this wine with shellfish, vegan or vegetarian dishes, and the usual mushrooms.
Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva Giatl
- Name — Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva Giatl
- Winery — Peter Zemmer
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Südtirol
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Apple, Peach, Honey, Tangerine, Pear
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pear, Honey, Cream, Sweet Apples, Minerals
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Coquilles St. Jacques, Light Pasta, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Sea Bass
In 1928, Peter Zemmer established a winery on chalky, stony, and sandy soil around the center of Cortina. The winery’s Pinot Grigio is produced from selected locations in Giatl. Italy. The company prides itself on its fascinating winemaking process- cold maceration happens to give the wine the flavors of fruit.
Do you love the enchanting smell of pears and tropical fruits? Then this one’s for you. Even the newest taster will appreciate the notes of melon, apple, and pear. Each glass of wine also has traces of earthy notes: stone, minerals, and honey. Craving some chicken? Grab a glass and pour some Peter Zemmer. This subtle wine goes well with seafood, vegetarian meals, and mushrooms. You’re all set.
Tramin Unterebner Pinot Grigio
- Name — Tramin Unterebner Pinot Grigio
- Winery — Tramin
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Südtirol
- Type — Italian Pinot Grigio
- Aroma — Juice, Melon, Banana, Peach, Nectarines
- Grapes — Pinot Grigio
- Taste — Pear, Peach, Honey, Hints of Spice and Oak
- Alcohol Content — 14.3%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Shrimps, Aged Gorgonzola, Porcini Pasta, Grilled Halibut
When it was launched in 1989, this vintage quickly seized attention for its full flavor and fresh character. Its minerality and simple taste is reminiscent of the Alpine mountains. This medium-bodied Pinot Grigio is produced by Cantina Tramin, an award-winning Italian brand. The winery is considered one of the top producers in the international market.
Savor the delicate notes of pear, vanilla, and honey of this pale wine. Its maturation happens in wooden barrels, giving it an oaky note. The subtle spice, mineral flavor, and mild sweetness make for an enjoyable drink. Low on acidity, it has a distinct tarty finish. This golden vintage goes well with shellfish like mussels and shrimp as well as vegan cuisine. It can be aged for up to 10 years.
Conclusion
IWhat is the best Pinot Grigio under $50? If you enjoy taking your taste buds on an adventure, this list is a good place to start. Now that you’ve perused these detailed reviews of the most sought-after white wines, your choice should be easier. Good thing online stores make it easy to buy a bottle of top-rated Pinot Grigio under $50.