Pinot pigment mutations tell scientists a colourful story

That cool Pinot Gris you enjoy after a tough day at the office is really just a mutant spin-out of Pinot Noir – or so scientists have found. Researchers have pin-pointed the genetic process that determines whether Pinot grapes become red or white. Pinot Noir, predominantly grown in the cooler regions, makes up about 9 per cent of wine production in New Zealand, while Pinot Gris, our third most popular white variety, accounts for around 6 per cent.