Recently a co worker and fellow wino took a quick trip to Willamette Oregon which of course had to include some wine tasting. She raved about an Amity Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blac that she found there so much that she gave us a bottle to taste. I have to admit that I have heard of Pinot Blanc before,  but I don’t recall ever sampling it. I have since found out that Pinot Blanc is a clone or mutation of pinot gris, which is itself a clone of pinot noir. So obviously it’s in the pinot family, but what is it all about really? We are hoping to find out today.

Oh and by the way you may have seen Jane’s last post from Hong Kong. She is still away on film making business, so in her absence I will be sure to try some wine on my own and let you know my thoughts.

Pinot blanc is planted widely around the world from Austria and Germany where you might find it referred to as Weissburgunder, to Italy where its often called pinot bianco and even in Alsace where it can be found under the name of  Klevner. It usually exhibits high acidity and low aromatic intensity while at the same time showing high tannin content for a white wine.

Steve says:

This is a very unique white wine. It sort of reminds me of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Except here the nose is much subtler, more pulled back. I find a bit of soft peachyness on the nose. It still shows a nice crisp acid balance and maybe a hint of minerality. You HAVE to drink the one really cold on a hot day! I have heard that wine from Willamette Valley really shows the region’s terroir, and from this sample at least, I believe it. Its also really affordable, at $14 a bottle it is a great go to bottle on a hot day.

3.5 stars of 5

Just the facts:

Amity Vineyards 2009 Pino Blanc

Dry farmed from three vineyards within the Willamette Valley

13.5 % Alc.

750ml

Available at: AmityVineyards.com