A grape varietal most notably known as the Pinot Blanc varietal, used in the production of white wine, originating in the Alsace region of France. Also grown in the United States (primarily California), Italy, Germany, and Austria. Pinot Blanc is rarely produced as a 100% varietal, but most come out of California (U.S.). Pinto Blanc is used in some Alsatian wines. Because of the high acidity, it is a good blending aging for sparkling wines. Referred to as the poor man's Chardonnay (Although not as complex and unrelated to the Chardonnay). Pinot Blanc is the French name for a mutation of Pinot Gris. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are not the same grape varietal.