Pinot blanc is a white/green coloured mutation of the darker coloured pinot gris, which itself is a pink/blue/grey mutation of pinot noir. Wikimedia
Pinot blanc, weissburgunder or klevner (as it is sometimes known in Alsace), is a grape which deserves more attention in New Zealand. The French, who have the strongest claim to it, have it mostly planted in Alsace even though its roots are most likely Burgundian.
It is a white/green coloured mutation of the darker coloured pinot gris, which itself is a pink/blue/grey mutation of pinot noir. In Burgundy, it is found growing in small quantities and at times in history was not clearly distinguished from chardonnay. In fact, it is allowed in Bourgogne Blanc and also in some wines from the Mâcon so small proportions can be found in quite a few wines.
The variety’s relative obscurity here in New Zealand translates to some very good value prices and it rewards short-term ageing very nicely.
Certain producers, and in particular Domaine Henri Gouges, make fantastic wines from 100% pinot blanc, including their Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru La Perrière. The particular clone of pinot blanc is actually called Pinot Gouges as it comes from their nursery.
In Alsace, it is considered a minor variety, certainly behind riesling, pinot gris and gewürztraminer, but it can be confusing for drinkers as wines labelled Alsace Pinot Blanc are often not pinot blanc but rather a blend of auxerrois and pinot blanc. This is because of an idiosyncratic situation where auxerrois can be
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
