Pinot Blanc ~ Wine Varietal

Because of its features that allow it to stand up to a good steak, Pinot Blanc is a red wine drinker's white wine. It's also, in my opinion, the best alternative to Chardonnay for those who want a heavier white but aren't Chardonnay fans. Like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc is genetically the same grape as Pinot Noir but with just enough of a genetic mutation to make it entirely different. Unlike Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc tends to be weighty and smooth rather than light and acidic. It originated in France, where it goes by several other names, and moved on to Germany, where it also goes by several other names. But it eventually made its way to the United States, and you can find Pinot Blanc from Long Island to California. Our featured Pinot Blanc is from Willamette Valley, Oregon.

(This article was written for GrapeBunch, our weekly wine periodical. Click here to read the original!)

HIGH HOOK PINOT BLANC

Fish Hook Vineyards' label High Hook produces a go-to Pinot Blanc of mine. The term "High Hook" is what they call the winner of fishing tournaments, and the owners of Fish Hook are really into competing in those. The winery is big on vineyard sustainability, and they're constantly making environmental and charitable donations. Their Pinot Blanc is full bodied, smooth, floral and flinty, with notes of apples, pears, and hazelnut. Pair with seafood, like the salmon on the label, or (call me crazy) anything that involves blue cheese.

This article was written for The GrapeBunch Wine Periodical.

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Joey Casco
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