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A
household staple in our home, Pinot Blanc
should be praised for its approachability,
likability and affordability. While I can't say
we've ever tried a Pinot that 'wowed' us in the
way of the best Chardonnays or very fine
whites, Pinot Blanc has always been reliable
and enjoyable.
The
History of Pinot Blanc
A genetic mutation of Pinot
Noir, this red variety occasionally produces a
one-off set of white bunches on a single cane -
which are Pinot Blanc. Cultivated now in its
own right, Pinot Blanc is a member of the
ancient Pinot family (not too hard to guess
that one) that originated in France's burgundy
region in the 1st century A.D. if not earlier.
Pinot Blanc has traveled and been cultivated in
many other parts of the world and throughout
Europe.
Qualities of
the Pinot Blanc Grape
On the vine, bunches
are densely packed, making them more
susceptible to rot if there is humidity or
precipitation during the growing season. Very
similar in appearance to the Chardonnay vine,
Pinot Blanc has been confused for Chardonnay
frequently in the vineyard, and shows similar
qualities of low yields, around 3 - 5 tons per
acre on average.
Pinot Blanc Wine
Characteristics
Body: light to
medium
Acidity: light
Flavors: light and easy-drinking, with a
subtle acidity, showing flavors of citrus,
stone fruits and floral notes
Regions Where Pinot
Blanc is Grown
- Cooler climate areas of
Europe, including France's Alsace region,
Germany, Austria and
Hungary
- Spain and Italy,
including the Alto Adige region
- In limited areas of California as
well as Oregon
Pinot Blanc Fast
Facts
- Bottled by local
varietal names throughout Europe (Pinot Blanc -
Alsace;
Weißer Burgunder - Germany; Pinot Bianco
- Italy / Spain)
- In Alsace, bottlings of 'Pinot Blanc' may be
from this varietal but may also be blends
of any white Pinot varieties or blends
with Auxerrois
- Bottled by varietal name throughout the New
World
- Famous Producers: Pierre Sparr, Schlumberger,
Chalone
- Generally best drunk young
Pinot Blanc Wine
& Food Pairing
-
-
Easy Food and Wine pairings with Pinot
Blanc:
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage
Sauce
Swordfish Puttanesca
Here are some of our
favorites:
2007 Willakenzie Estate Pinot
Blanc
Lighter in body than
its cousin Pinot Gris, this Pinot Blanc has a
classic light, fresh quality.
($18)
2005 Trimbach Pinot
Blanc
Classic Pinot from a family that's made wine
since 1626. Light, clean and palate-cleansing.
($12)
Next
Variety:
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris Wine
Grape
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