As the name suggests, Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Bianco in Italian, is a white grape variety used to produce white wine. This grape is a mutation of Pinot Noir as and they share many characteristics. However, Pinot Blanc contains little to no tannins (it is a white grape after all) and has medium acidity. Its taste depends a lot on the territory where this grape is grown. In general, Pinot Blanc has aromas of almond, apple, and a light touch of minerals. Importantly, Pinot Blanc can benefit greatly from maturation in oak barrels.
Where is Pinot Blanc from?
Pinot Blanc is planted mainly in Germany, Alto Adige region of Italy and in the Alsace region of France (where we can also find Riesling and Gewürztraminer). This grape variety is also frequently found in Switzerland, Austria, the USA, and Canada.
Interesting story about Pinot Blanc
Grapes like Melon de Bourgogne and Chardonnay have often been often confused with Pinot Blanc because they have many similarities. However, Pinot Blanc is a completely different grape variety that belongs to Pinot group of wines.
Pinot Blanc grape characteristics
Pinot Blanc adapts well to northern areas with deep and rocky soils. This grape is much more fertile than other Pinot varieties, which preserves its regularity in production. The vine is very strong and resists cold quite well, even though it is quite sensitive to diseases during its maturation.
Pinot Blanc Wines
This grape variety responds very well to oak ripening. In France, it is often blended with Klevner, also known as "true Pinot" and Auxerrois to give it more of an Alsace touch. Pinot Blanc is also used to make sweet and sparkling wines such as Crémant d'Alsace.
What to pair with Pinot Blanc?
Pinot Blanc is perfect for salads and soft cheeses. We can also pair it with white meat such as chicken and grilled seafood. This type of wine is also made to be enjoyed alone, so do not wait for the food to enjoy its enveloping taste.
Where to find the best Pinot Blanc wines
Lombardy
Here are some wineries in Lombardy where you can taste the best Pinot Blanc wines:
Veneto
Here are some wineries in Veneto where you can taste the best Pinot Blanc wines:
Baden
Here are some wineries in Baden where you can taste the best Pinot Blanc wines:
Haut-Rhin
Here are some wineries in Haut-Rhin where you can taste the best Pinot Blanc wines: