Sivi Pinot is the Slovenian name for Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris or Grauburgunder. The grape is related to the also famous Pinot Noir red grape variety, but instead has blue greyish fruit. Pinot Grigio is cultivated in many different places and is very much terroir sensitive. In Slovenia the style is mainly mineral, fresh and tastes like apple and pear, while the French variety is often stronger, full, fatty even smoky. In the north of Italy it is grown a lot and has similarities with the Slovenian style.
The Pinot Grigio grape variety has been known since the Middle-Aged. In all likelihood the grape first originated in Burgundy France and then spread to Switzerland and Hungary. From there, a certain German merchant Johann Ruland (making Rulander wine later to be discovered Pinot Grigio grape) brought the grape to Alsace France, Veneto Italy and to Germany around 1700. Pinot Grigio is a very popular grape variety planted internationally today, including in New Zealand and California.
