Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) Pinot blanc is a white wine grape. It is a point genetic mutation of Pinot noir. Pinot noir is genetically unstable and will occasionally experience a point mutation in which a vine bears all black fruit except for one cane which produces white fruit. Pinot blanc's name varies by region. In Austria it may be bottled as Weissburgunder or Klevner. Weissburgunder is also used in the Südtirol/Alto Adige region of north east Italy (also occasionally named so in Alsace) and in Germany. It is a versatile white-wine grape variety used in the production of still, sparkling and sweet dessert wines. It is often compared to Chardonnay with its similar medium to full-bodied style, good acidity, affinity to oak maturation. Pinot Blanc's varietal characters include apple and almond, and sometimes a touch of smokiness, although – like Chardonnay – it is a palette for winemaker intervention, and flavors often depend on style.