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Depending on the country in which the grapes are grown and the winemaker's personal approach to fashioning a wine out of the grape, pinot blanc
wines can range in style from the un-complex, light and fruity pinot biancos of northern Italy to the complex, oaky masterpieces of some California winemakers, which can rival the biggest and best chardonnays. The styles in between these extremes
of the wine are numerous and well worth exploring.
The grapes are used to produce light, dry, pleasant white
wines. It is grown in Alsace (France), California (USA), Italy, Germany and
Austria. Pinot Blanc wine has been grown in Burgundy and was sometimes mistaken
for Chardonnay. The two varieties look very similar and there are some
similarities in the wines they make. Pinot Blanc wine is often referred to as
"poor man's Chardonnay". These wines should be consumed young before the fruit
flavors diminish.
Pinot Blanc Wine Tip:
The grapes make delicious and easy-to-like white wines with pear and mineral/stone flavors and fairly high but balanced acidity. The more austere Pinot
Blanc wine is well matched with most anything from the sea, while the fuller-bodied renditions
of Pinot Blanc wines pair up with medium-rich textures and sauces, including pork and other not-too-strong meats.
It is also a nice choice for an aperitif with olives and a little
cheese. |
