Weissburgunder see Pinot Blanc below
Pinot Blanc [PEE-noh BLAHN (BLAHNGK)]
There is much confusion about this white-wine grape. Pinot Blanc is not related to Chardonnay as once believed. Adding to the confusion about Pinot Blanc is that much of what is called Pinot Blanc in Australia is really Chardonnay, and some of the Pinot Blanc vines in California have been identified as Melon de Bourgogne. Pinot Blanc grapes produce comely dry white wines that are often compared to Chardonnay. They are, however, generally not as complex or flavorful as Chardonnay. Pinot Blanc’s most noted growing area is the Alsace region in France. However, some of the best Pinot Blanc wines come from California (Chalone Vineyards does an excellent job) and the Alto Adige region in Italy. Pinot Blanc wines are noted for their fresh, yeasty, appley aroma, sometimes with hints of spice. Although not considered to age as well as Chardonnay, better Pinot Blancs that are aged for a few years take on delicious honey overtones. Because of the crisp fresh flavors and the grape’s high acids, Pinot Blanc is finding its way into more and more sparkling wine. Pinot Blanc is also known as Beli Pinot, Clevner, Pinot Bianco, Weissburgunder, Weisserburgunder, and Weisser Klevner.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.