European Pinot Blanc
European Pinot Blanc wine production is centered in France and Italy. Italian versions tend to be lighter than their French counterparts.
In the Alto Adige region of Italy, the varietal is known as Pinot Bianco. This region was annexed from Austria at the end of World War I. Additionally, the grape is blended with Muscat to make Spumante.
The grape probably mutated from Pinot Gris in the Burgundy region of France. Currently, it is grown a bit in Burgundy, but is planted more extensively in Alsace.
There are some great, very affordable Pinot Blanc is made in Alsace. Very few are oaked and most are made in a relatively simple but clean style. These wines are known for their striking fruit flavors that often resemble fresh apples.
In the Baden region of Germany, the grape makes a wine called Weissburgunder. It is also widely planted in Eastern Europe, and is made into botrytis wines in the Burgenland region of Austria.
