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Pinot Blanc Grapes

Pinot Blanc grapes are a variety of White Wine Grape that are best grown in the Alsace region of France. Pinot Blanc grapes are also sometimes referred to as Clevner or Klevner in Alsace. In Germany and Austria they are know as Weissenburgunder.

Pinot Blanc grapes are often referred to as the workhorse grape of Alsace where they are used as part of the blend for Edelzwicker and are also the main component of Cremant D'Alsace.

Pinot Blanc grapes are actually a genetic mutation of the Pinot Gris Grapes. Oddly, the leaf structure, clusters and berries strongly resemble that of Chardonnay Grapes. This has lead to much confusion about the origins of Pinot Gris vines. (see also History Of Pinot Blanc)

The skins of Pinot Blanc grapes have unusually high tannin content and the wines are prone to browning. Pinot Blanc grapes produce a wine that is light to medium bodied and are typically used to make crisp, dry white wines with hints of apples, honey and yeast and give a refreshingly clean finish.

Clones of Pinot Blanc vines often vary in vigor and fruit production but all clones have the characteristics of being high in acid and low in aromatic intensity. Pinot Blanc grapes grow in compact bunches which means that they are not suited to rain prone locations due to the likelihood of bunch rot. They are also susceptible to the leaf roll virus which can overwhelm Pinot Blanc vines.

The best regions for growing Pinot Blanc grapes are Alsace in France and in Italy where they are now being grown extensively but are referred to as Pinot Bianco. These regions are excellent because of their dry climates which are perfect for growing Pinot Blanc grapes. Pinot Blanc grapes are also grown in California where the climate is similar to that of France's Alsace region. Californian winemakers frequently achieve good results by applying the same techniques that they use when making Chardonnay Wines. (see also Pinot Blanc Wine Recommendations)

Are you interested in growing your own grapes at home? If so, I can personally recommend this book by Danie Wium. I recently began growing my own grapes for use in winemaking and this book was an invaluable tool along the way.