Pinot Blanc / Bianco
Origins
- France, as a mutation of Pinot Gris (see below)
Characteristics
- Medium to full bodied
- Fresh acidity levels
- Soft melon fruit character
- Medium to high alcohol levels (12-13 degrees)
Vinification/Maturation
- Always fermented dry so not presented as a sweet wine
- Some expensive Pinot Bianco may be aged in oak, otherwise aged in traditional old oak vats to provide slight oxidation during maturation.
Homelands
- Alsace (where it’s often known as Clevner)
- Italy Good examples from Alto Adige and the Collio on the Slovenian border
Also to be found in…
Germany (known as Weissburgunder), Slovenia and Austria