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Pinot Blanc grape

White grape

Pinot Blanc is a white grape known for apple, pear, almond. Its best-known homes are Alsace, Alto Adige.

StyleWhite
Body●●●○○ (3/5)
FlavoursApple, pear, almond
Key regionsAlsace, Alto Adige

Origin and history

A white colour mutation of Pinot from Burgundy, only clearly distinguished from Chardonnay in the late 19th century.

Where it grows

Alsace, Alto Adige, Germany (Baden, Pfalz), Austria, Slovenia, Oregon and British Columbia's Okanagan Valley.

Structure

Medium body, moderate acidity and a smooth, rounded texture; usually dry and unoaked, sometimes sparkling.

Aromas, young and aged

Young: apple, pear, almond, white flowers and a gentle creaminess. With age: honey, brioche and nutty notes.

Ageing

Most is for drinking within 1–4 years; top Alto Adige and Austrian Weissburgunder can age 8–10 years.

Also known as

Weissburgunder, Pinot Bianco, Klevner (Alsace), Beli Pinot.

Good to know

It is a key base grape for Crémant d'Alsace, and wines labelled Pinot Blanc in Alsace may legally contain Auxerrois.

Pinot Blanc wines to try

Real bottles from The Wine Library.

White · England · Diego's Selection

Renegade Urban Winery Ewa Pinot Blanc

London · English Wine · Pinot Blanc

London-made Pinot Blanc from Essex and Wiltshire fruit: apple, almond and crisp acidity.

Food: Asparagus, white fish

Sparkling · Italy

Bellavista Alma Grande Cuvée Brut

Lombardy · Franciacorta · Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc

Elegant Franciacorta with white flowers, lemon curd and toasted hazelnut over a fine bead.

Food: Risotto alla milanese, fritto misto

Similar white grapes

ChardonnayGodelloGarnacha BlancaXarel·loEncruzadoMuscatChenin BlancClairette

Explore all grapes in the interactive guide

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