Pinot Blanc

Pinto Blanc is a white mutation of Pinot Gris, itself a descendant of Pinot Noir. Although first discovered in Burgundy where it can still be included (in small quantities) in Bourgogne blanc and passetoutgrains, it is mainly associated with the Alsace region. Mainly grown in Alsace, where it is frequently blended with Auxerrois, it sits behind Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris in terms of area under vines . Due to the regions somewhat inconsistent appellation laws, some bottles labelled Pinot Blanc may not contain any Pinot Blanc at all. Rather, they could be a blend of Auxerrois and Pinot Noir. The grape is more widely planted across Austria and northern Italy where it goes by the names Weissburgunder and Pinot Bianco. When the right conditions prevail it is used to produce lusciously rich, botrytized TBAs, some of Austria's most concentrated and complex wines. Despite being largely ignored in the New World a small handful of high-end California and Oregon producers are coaxing some expressive and interesting wines with lower yields and higher must weights.