Google+
|
|
Show Me Wineries That Are Selling This Wine
| Country of Origin: |
France |
| Region of Origin: |
Burgundy |
| Typical Product: |
White |
| Structure: |
Light |
| Climate: |
Cool |
| Soil Type: |
Sandy |
| Serving Temp: |
45 - 50F |
| Ageability: |
1 to 3 |
| Blends: |
|
| Sauces to Pair: |
|
| Meals to Pair: |
|
| Other Names*: |
|
Pinot Blanc, a mutation of Pinot Gris, which is either a mutation of Pinot Noir or is Pinot Noir with just a minor genetic difference (depending upon who you believe) much the same way that black and yellow Labradors appear in the same litters). Although it originated in Burgundy, it's become mostly associated with Alsace. The first documented evidence puts it in Burgundy in the 19th century although it is quite possible that it was around for several centuries before that given the Pinot family's propensity to mutate. It is often mistaken for Chardonnay due to similar appearance.
In the US, what was often thought to Pinot Blanc turned out to be another member of the Pinot family called Melon. By the mid 2000's, California had roughly 700 acres of Pinot Blanc under cultivation. In other countries, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc were misidentified as Pinot Blanc so outside of its more traditional areas, Pinot Blanc rarely gets fair treatment because different or inferior vines have masqueraded as it.
Pinot Blanc has few of the problems associated with growing Pinot Noir. It ripens much earlier, often in mid September. It's not so picky about temperature conditions and typically produces more fruit. All Pinot family grapes grow in tight clusters but Pinot Blanc may be the tightest. Late rains can cause rot problems due to the lack of air circulation within the tight clusters. The grapes are yellow-green in color and generally thin skinned like Pinot Noir.
Pinot Blanc has a similar tasted to Chardonnay, if somewhat lighter in character. In California, some winemakers will attempt to make it into a version of Chardonnay, rather than embracing its lighter character.
|
| * used in California |
(Please click on the Winery name for more information)
| |
Follow Us on Twitter!
|
