Pinot bianco

Pinot bianco is a white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. It is a mutation of the Pinot noir variety that is believed to have originated in Burgundy, France. The grape is now grown in wine regions all over the world, including Italy, Germany, Austria, and the United States.

History

The Pinot bianco grape is thought to have mutated from the Pinot noir grape in the Middle Ages. The first documented mention of the grape was in the 14th century in the Burgundy wine region of France. The grape was brought to Italy in the 19th century, where it has become a key grape in the production of Italian wine.

Viticulture

Pinot bianco is a difficult grape to grow, requiring a cool climate and careful vineyard management. The grape is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew and botrytis cinerea. Despite these challenges, the grape is prized for its ability to produce wines with a high level of acidity and a delicate, floral aroma.

Wine production

Pinot bianco wines are typically dry and light-bodied, with flavors of apple, pear, and almond. The wines are often aged in oak barrels, which can add notes of vanilla and toast to the wine. In Italy, the grape is often blended with other varieties, such as Chardonnay and Pinot grigio, to create complex, layered wines.

Regions

While Pinot bianco originated in France, it is now grown in many wine regions around the world. In Italy, the grape is most commonly grown in the Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. In Germany and Austria, the grape is known as Weissburgunder, and is often used to produce sweet dessert wines. In the United States, the grape is grown in the California wine and Oregon wine regions, where it is used to produce both varietal wines and blends.