06/09/06 Chardonnay Alternatives

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. All week we have been talking about Chardonnay. So, I start looking for other white wines that really appeal to me on another level. On today's program I want to introduce you to one of my favorite alternatives to Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc. Pinot Blanc is a mutation of Pinot Gris, which makes it a relative to Pinot Noir. It is probably best known in the Chablis region of France where it is grown right alongside of Chardonnay. It is also grown in the Alsace of France. There they make some truly lovely dry white wines from Pinot Blanc that show such delicacy and finesse, and are to me, some of the best examples of what can be done with this particular grape. They can also have a very smoky quality that makes them quite exotic. I find Alsace Pinot Blanc to be a bargain for the caliber wine that you are getting. Pinot Blanc is best known in Italy as Pinot Bianco, There it is made in a richer more buttery style and is the predominant white grape used to make some serious Italian sparkling wines. Pinot Blanc also has a history in California but hasn't gained much recognition. Unfortunately, it seems to be viewed as some sort of lesser grape, subordinate to Chardonnay. But I am here to say that it should be viewed and tasted on its own merit, and when you take a chance on a good Pinot Blanc, I don't think you will be disappointed. Right now Pinot Blanc is certainly one of my new favorite alternatives to Chardonnay. And Thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.