Pinot Blanc/Pinot Bianco

Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Bianco as it is known in Italy, is a white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. Through centuries, it has been extensively cultivated in Alsace and Northern Italy but it also grows in Germany, Austria and Eastern Europe under different monikers.

Genetically, Pinot Blanc is a mutation of Pinot Noir, its bluish-grey clusters and ‘pine-cone’ shaped bunches accentuating its namesake ‘pinot’. Despite sharing many genetic characteristics with other Pinot variants like Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc possesses a unique flavour profile.

In terms of grapevines, Pinot Blanc is comparatively easy to grow because of its innate resistance to numerous vine diseases. The grape yields a light-coloured wine, often straw yellow or pale gold that typically exhibits a light to medium body. Its taste varies according to where it is grown, but generally on the palate it imparts an aromatic concoction of green apple, citrus, and almonds with subtle mineral undertones.

Pinot Blanc has a relatively high acidity which lends itself well to a variety of wine styles, from sparkling wines to rich, late-harvest dessert wines. However, much of its reputation is honed by its capacity to produce excellently balanced, crisp and refreshing everyday table wines. While it may lack the vibrant complexity of other white varieties, Pinot Blanc is celebrated for its friendly, approachable character.

Despite its moderate reputation, the versatility and adaptability of this grape defy easy categorisation. In its homeland of Alsace, it is often blended into sparkling Crémant d'Alsace wines, while in Italy’s Alto Adige, it is the star varietal in full-bodied, expressive whites that rival some of the world's best. Wine made from Pinot Blanc has the fantastic ability to age, developing rich honey and nut aromas over time.

In sum, Pinot Blanc, with its versatility, agreeable taste and refreshing acidity, is very much the hidden gem of the white wine world. It awaits connoisseurs seeking new wine varietals to explore and appreciate.

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