Pronounced pee-noe-blahn. A grape varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Alsace region of France. Also grown in the United States (primarily California), Italy, Germany, and Austria. Pinot Blanc is rarely produced as a 100% varietal, but most come out of California (U.S.). Pinto Blanc is used in some Alsatian wines. Because of the high acidity, it is a good blending aging for sparkling wines. Referred to as the poor man's Chardonnay (Although not as complex and unrelated to the Chardonnay). Pinot Blanc is the French name for a mutation of Pinot Gris. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are not the same grape varietal.
Also known as: Weissburgunder, Beli Pinot, Clevner, Pinot Bianco, Weisser Klevner.
Characteristics: Pinot Blanc wines vary from sweet to dry, but are generally full bodied and simply pleasant. A light musky aroma with hints of spice, apple, pear, almond, and melon with a high (although balanced) acidity and minerally.
Ageing: Typically consumed young, ageing will diminish the fruit flavors. Higher quality may be aged, bringing out a honey flavor.
Serving temperature: Serve at a temperature of 50º-55º F.
Food pairings: Cannelloni with ricotta, poultry, poultry with garlic seasoning, BBQ poultry, poultry with light/cream sauces, egg dishes/appetizers, Chinese cuisine with shrimp, won ton soup, vegetable couscous, crab cakes, escargots, smoked fish, Greek spanakopita, guacamole, gyoza, hummus, chicken tandoori, pasta with vegetables, poultry and vegetable pâtés, pork, potato salad, Caesar salad, smoked salmon, oysters, smoked shellfish.
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