Pinot Blanc: Was thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Gris vine. However, recent DNA analysis shows identical genetic makeup to the Blau Burgunder variety of Austria, possibly having the parents Schwarzriesling (a.k.a Pinot Meunier) x Traminer, this parentage accounting for the varying skin colors of the various related varieties. Grape is generally used to make dry, crisp, rather intense white wines in the Alsace, parts of Burgundy and in Austria. In the latter country it is known as the Weisser Burgunder. In California, a similarly named grape is used to make a fruity, rather subtle wine similar to the simpler versions of Chardonnay. Used in many of the better champagne style sparkling wines of California because of its acid content and clean flavor. However, recent research speculates that some plantings of this California grown grape variety are actually the Melon de Bourgogne, (a.k.a Muscadet de Bourgogne), a grape grown widely in the western reaches of the Loire region of France, and famous for producing the 'Muscadet' tart white wines that match so well with shellfish meals.

 

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Pinot Blanc: Was thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Gris vine. However, recent DNA analysis shows identical genetic makeup to the Blau Burgunder variety of Austria, possibly having the parents Schwarz . . . View Full Definition

Pinot Bianco: Italian version of the grape known as Pinot Blanc. Grown mainly in the Trentino and Fruili regions of Italy. Usually made into a fresh, fruity white wine.

Pinot Noir: Belongs to the premier Pinot grape 'cépage' of the Burgundy region of France. Recently (2002) recognized that the progenitors of the cépage are most likely Traminer and a clonal selection, o . . . View Full Definition

Chenin Blanc: A widely grown white-wine producing variety, known as Steen in South Africa, Pineau de la Loire in the Loire region of France and under the alias name White Pinot (Pinot Blanco) elsewhere in . . . View Full Definition