Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc is a white-wine grape variety that has been cultivated since the Middle Ages in Italy, Germany, and parts of France. It is a member of the Pinot family and is closely related to the Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varieties.

Pinot Blanc grapes have a light greenish-yellow hue and are medium to small in size. They display aromas of pears, apples, and peaches, with citrus and floral notes. The wines are usually medium-bodied, fruity in style with recognizable acidity and sometimes noted deriving from oak aging.

Pinot Blanc is grown in various regions across Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and parts of Switzerland. In France, it is widely cultivated in Alsace while in Italy is mostly found in the Alto Adige region. Pinot Blanc is a relatively low-yielding variety that is prone to disease. It is best grown in cooler climates and on well-drained soils. Winemakers often use oak barrels and malolactic fermentation to add complexity. In Alsace, Pinot Blanc is made in a variety of styles, including dry, off-dry, and sweet. The wines are typically full-bodied with high acidity and aromas of apples and pears. In Italy, the variety is usually aged in oak barrels, producing a richer style with notes of nuts and toast. Pinot Blanc pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood, poultry, salads, and lighter meats.

In France, Pinot Blanc is also known as Clevner or Auvernat Blanc.