WineGuessrWhite grape variety
Pinot Blanc
Also called Pinot Bianco, Weissburgunder, Weißburgunder, Klevner
Pinot Blanc is a white grape that arose as a mutation of Pinot Noir, known for fresh, medium-bodied wines with apple, citrus and floral notes. It is widely grown in Alsace, where it is the main grape of Crémant d'Alsace, and in Germany, which had 5,540 hectares in 2018.
| Color | White (green-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | France (a white mutation of Pinot Noir) |
| Body | Light to medium |
| Acidity | Medium to high |
| Typical aromas | apple, pear, lemon, white flowers, almond, yeast (sparkling) |
| Key regions | Alsace (France), Trentino-Alto Adige (Italy), Lombardy (Italy), Baden (Germany), Pfalz (Germany), Austria, Okanagan Valley (Canada) |
Origin and history
Pinot Blanc is a point mutation of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is genetically unstable, and occasionally a vine produces a cane bearing white berries; Pinot Gris arose in a similar way. For a long time Pinot Blanc was confused with Chardonnay, and the two are often made with similar techniques such as barrel fermentation and malolactic fermentation. In the United States, a French ampelographer at UC Davis found in the mid-1980s that many vines sold as Pinot Blanc were in fact Melon de Bourgogne. Its many regional names include Weissburgunder in Germany and Austria, Pinot Bianco in Italy and Klevner in Alsace.
Where it grows
Alsace has the largest French plantings and uses it as the main grape of Crémant d'Alsace. Germany had 5,540 hectares in 2018, with the strongest wines from Baden, including the Kaiserstuhl, and the Pfalz. In Italy it is important in Alto Adige and is one of the permitted grapes of Franciacorta in Lombardy. Austria grows it as Weissburgunder, and it is part of Vienna's Wiener Gemischter Satz. Hungary and Canada's Okanagan Valley, which also makes ice wine from it, are other sources.
Taste, wine styles and food
Pinot Blanc is a gentle, fairly neutral grape with apple, pear, citrus and floral notes and fresh acidity. Styles range from light, unoaked white wine for early drinking to fuller, barrel-fermented versions, especially in Germany and Austria, that can resemble Chardonnay. Its moderate aroma and good acidity make it a useful base for sparkling wine, as in Crémant d'Alsace and Franciacorta. In Canada's Okanagan Valley it is also made into ice wine. Pinot Blanc is an easy match for quiche, white asparagus, light fish dishes, salads, soft cheeses and Alsace tarte flambée.
Wines made with Pinot Blanc (4)
WineGuessr lists 4 wines made with Pinot Blanc, from 3 countries. Most come from Italy (2).
Pinot Blanc: questions and answers
Is Pinot Blanc the same as Pinot Bianco?
Yes. Pinot Bianco is the Italian name for Pinot Blanc, and Weissburgunder is the German and Austrian name.
Is Pinot Blanc related to Pinot Noir?
Yes. Pinot Blanc is a white mutation of Pinot Noir, like Pinot Gris.
What grape is Crémant d'Alsace made from?
Pinot Blanc is the main grape of Crémant d'Alsace, though other Alsace varieties are also allowed.
Is Pinot Blanc like Chardonnay?
The two are often confused and can be made in similar ways, but Pinot Blanc is usually lighter and more neutral.
Other white grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.