Weißburgunder (Pinot blanc)

Weißburgunder, also known as Weißer Burgunder, Pinot Blanc or Klevner, is a white grape variety. It most probably originates from Burgundy.

The first mentions in Burgundy date back to the 14th century. In the Middle Ages, the Cistercian monks brought Pinot Blanc to the Rheingau. From there, it spread throughout Europe. For a long time, no distinction was made between Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois. The grape varieties look too similar in the vineyard and are difficult to tell apart. However, when the focus on quality became established in viticulture, these grape varieties began to be cultivated separately. Pinot Blanc is a mutation of Pinot Gris. In Burgundy, the Chardonnay variety was favoured. Today, Pinot Blanc has practically disappeared in its region of origin. The French term ‘Pinot’ is probably derived from the elongated shape of the Pinot grapes, which are very similar to the cone of a pine tree (French ‘pin’). The term ‘Burgundy’, which is commonly used in German-speaking countries, is not a translation of the French name, but a regional designation.