Pinot Blanc
A scion of the famous Burgundy family, Pinot Blanc has been known since the 14th century.
Facts
-
6
percent of the German vineyard area
-
6.181
Hektar der mit Weißburgunder bestockten Rebfläche 2022
Cultivation
The demands of Pinot Blanc on soil and climate indicate that it is related to Pinot Noir. These demands are high: warm, preferably deep and strong soils as well as exposed, dry-warm sites are preferred. The variety causes few problems in cultivation and can achieve high must weights due to a long ripening period.
Significance
Pinot Blanc is not only found here at home, but also among our neighbours. In France, the variety is called Pinot Blanc, in Italy Pinot Bianco, and it is also common in Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia. German winegrowers are discovering more and more the value of this elegant grape variety.
In 2022, about 6,181 hectares or just under 6 percent of the German vineyard area were planted with the variety, which thrives wherever it is already too hot for Riesling. We have been observing a steady upward trend for several decades - since 2001, the area under vines has almost doubled. Baden, with about 1,600 hectares, is considered a stronghold of Pinot Blanc, as are Rheinhessen and the Palatinate, with about 1,589 and 1,451 hectares respectively.
Wine making and flavours
Elegant Pinot Blancs with a dry taste, fresh acidity and fine fruit are ideal menu wines. In addition to light summer wines, there are powerful bottlings up to the dry Auslese. Not overly rich in alcohol, Pinot Blanc has a discreet aroma, often reminiscent of green nuts, apple, pear, quince, apricot, citrus fruit or fresh pineapple. Moderate body and a pleasantly refreshing acidity characterise it as a versatile menu wine. It is therefore well suited to seafood, fish, veal, pork and poultry, or simply as a well-chilled terrace wine. More extract-rich variants and barrique wines also go well with lamb or delicate dishes of young game.
Pinot Blanc presents itself as pale to light yellow in the glass, delicate and restrained on the nose. Its slightly nutty aroma is typical. When dry, its medium to full body and fine acidity make it suitable for many dishes. Barrique barrels are also used for late harvest and selection wines. In addition, noble sweet wines and refreshing Weißburgunder sparkling wines are available in limited quantities.
History
Pinot Noir is considered to be the original form of Burgundy. Pinot Gris is a light bud mutation of Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc can be seen as a continuation of this mutation via Pinot Gris. Until the grapes begin to ripen, these three true Burgundy varieties can hardly be distinguished; as they ripen, the expression of the grape colour and the aroma and taste components develop. Pinot Blanc has been known since the 14th century.
At a glance
- Grape variety on a steady upward trend
- High demands on climate and soil
- prefers exposed, dry-warm sites and deep soils
- late ripening
- Aroma: discreet, reminiscent of apples, pears, mangos, nuts, quinces
What is the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc?
Pinot Blanc is often the counterweight to the creamy Pinot Gris - lighter, tangier, fresher. However, the color of the grapes is particularly striking: Pinot Blanc produces greenish-yellow berries, while those of Pinot Gris are distinctly copper-colored.
with dry sparkling wine Sparkling wine and lime dessert
with dry sparkling wine
- 300ml Winzersekt
- 4 Limetten
- 100g Zucker
- 30g Speisestärke
- 100g Butterkekse
- 50g ungesalzene Butter
- 2 Eiweiße
- 50g grieschicher Joghurt
- 150g Schlagsahne
Pour the sparkling wine and sugar into a pan. Chill the remaining sparkling wine. Wash 1 lime with hot water and finely grate the zest. Halve the lime and 2 others, squeeze out the juice and mix with the cornflour. Pour everything into the pan and bring to the boil briefly. Remove the pan from the heat and chill the cream in the fridge.
Fill the shortbread biscuits into a freezer bag, crush with a rolling pin and place in a bowl. Melt the butter in a pan, pour over the crumbled shortbread biscuits, add a pinch of salt and mix well. Leave to cool briefly, divide half into large wine glasses and press down firmly.
Cut the lime into slices. Beat the egg whites with salt until stiff. Stir the yoghurt into the chilled champagne and lime cream. Whip the cream until stiff and fold into the cooled cream, one after the other, together with the beaten egg whites. Spread half over wine glasses, add another layer of shortbread biscuits and finish with a layer of cream. Garnish with lime slices and pour in the remaining sparkling wine. Toast and enjoy!
- Riesling (trocken)
- Pinot Blanc (trocken)
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