Pinot Blanc grape variety

The Pinot Blanc grape - known as Pinot Blanc in France and Pinot Bianco in Italy - is the lightest-coloured member of the large Burgundy family. The variety produces fresh, fruity wines whose acidity can vary from moderate to strong depending on how they are made and which develop delicate fruit flavours such as apples, pears or citrus fruits, often complemented by nutty notes such as almonds. The Pinot Blanc grape thrives best in cooler climates and on chalky soils and can - provided it is vinified carefully - exhibit a fine minerality. The wines from this grape variety are mostly dry, but there are also semi-dry and sweet varieties. It is particularly suitable as an accompaniment to light dishes such as salads, fish and white meat, but is also often used in cuvees, especially in sparkling wine production.