what is the differance betweeen pinot gris and pinot blanc both wines from alsace france?

Answer 1

The simple answer is that they are different varieties of grapes, thus they have different tastes.

Both varieties are related and are part of the Pinot Noir group of vines. Pinot Noir is a black grape whose vines regularly spontaneously mutate - when cuttings from these mutations are planted a new variety is created, which is how Gris and Blanc came about.

Pinot Gris (gris meaning grey) - produces grapes that range in color from grey to dark pink and its wines have become very popular in recent years under the grapes Italian name of Pinot Grigio.

Be aware when buying Pinot Gris from Alsace that it is produced in a range of styles, from dry to very sweet and it is not always easy to identify how sweet the wine is without opening it. I would suggest speaking to the people in the wine shop that stocks the wine to find out the details of that particular wine.

Answer 2

Pinot blanc is a genetic mutation or clone of pinot gris, which is in turn, a clone of pinot noir.

Pinot blanc is a white wine grape. Clones of pinot blanc vary in vine vigor and fruit production capacity, but all clones are characteristically high in acid and low in aromatic intensity.

Pinot gris (or pinot grigio, as it is known in Italy) probably is the best-known "white" variant-clone of Pinot Noir. The variety can attain a very high level of sweetness, but will begin to lose acid rapidly when near to fully ripe. Sometimes it is used to add richness and to lighten, when blended with Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties to be cultivated for the purpose of making wine. Pinot Noir is often described as being a "difficult" grape, to grow, to deal with in the winery, and to find truly great examples of, but fans are passionate about this veriety.