Grape
Pinot Blanc
A white mutation of Pinot Noir, locally also called Blanc Vrai — round, peachy, gently aromatic.
Pinot Blanc is a naturally-occurring white mutation of Pinot Noir; in Champagne it is sometimes labelled Blanc Vrai to distinguish it from the Alsatian variety. It is one of the four historic minority grapes still authorised by the AOC, and lives mostly in the Aube and in a few parcels around Vitry-le-François.
Compared to Chardonnay it gives wines that are rounder and softer-shouldered — white peach, pear, gentle florals — with less acidity and less ageing pull. Most often blended in small percentages to add fruit weight; Cédric Bouchard / Roses de Jeanne and Laherte Frères are among the producers who have bottled it more visibly.