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The story of Pinot Blanc, one of France’s most underrated white grapes
Some grape varieties are famous the world over.
Others quietly go about their business, producing delicious wines without ever demanding the spotlight.
Pinot Blanc belongs firmly in the second category.
Elegant, versatile and wonderfully food-friendly, it has been part of Alsace’s wine heritage for centuries. Yet many wine lovers know surprisingly little about it.
The Pinot Blanc “Klevner” 2024 from Domaine de la Tour Blanche is the perfect introduction.
Pinot Blanc… or Klevner?
If you’ve ever travelled through Alsace, you may have noticed bottles labelled Pinot Blanc and others labelled Klevner.
So what’s the difference?
Historically, Klevner referred to wines made from the Pinot family, particularly Pinot Blanc, although in Alsace the name may also include a small proportion of Auxerrois, a closely related grape that adds a little more roundness and generosity.
Today, the two names often describe the same elegant, approachable style: fresh, dry and beautifully balanced.
Whatever appears on the label, the philosophy remains the same.
This is a wine made to be enjoyed at the table.
A grape with Burgundian roots
Like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc belongs to the remarkable Pinot family.
Its origins can be traced back to Burgundy, where it appeared as a natural mutation of Pinot Noir many centuries ago.
Over time, it found a second home in Alsace, where the cool climate allows it to retain its freshness while developing delicate aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers and gentle spice.
It may not have the perfume of Gewurztraminer or the razor-sharp acidity of Riesling, but that is exactly its charm.
Pinot Blanc is about balance.
The Klack family and Domaine de la Tour Blanche
In the beautiful medieval village of Riquewihr, the Klack family has quietly built a reputation for producing wines that reflect the character of Alsace with honesty and precision.
At Domaine de la Tour Blanche, every cuvée is guided by respect for the vineyard rather than fashion. The aim is not to create wines that shout, but wines that express their grape and their terroir as naturally as possible.
Their Pinot Blanc perfectly reflects this philosophy.
A wine of freshness and simplicity
The 2024 vintage is bright, fresh and wonderfully inviting.
The nose opens with aromas of pear, crisp apple and white blossom, accompanied by delicate citrus notes.
On the palate, the wine is dry, lively and beautifully balanced. There is enough texture to give it substance, while its refreshing finish makes it incredibly easy to enjoy.
It is the kind of wine that never feels heavy and never overwhelms the food beside it.
Instead, it quietly makes everything taste better.
One of Alsace’s most versatile wines
Pinot Blanc rarely seeks attention, but few white wines are as adaptable.
It is equally at home with seafood, river fish, roast chicken, salads, quiches, soft cheeses or simply as an aperitif with friends.
Its freshness and gentle fruit make it one of the easiest wines to enjoy, whether you know a great deal about wine or are just beginning your journey.
Why we love it at The French Paradox
Some wines impress.
Others become favourites.
The Pinot Blanc “Klevner” 2024 from Domaine de la Tour Blanche reminds us that great wines do not always have to be famous or extravagant. Sometimes, they are simply honest expressions of a grape, a family and a place.
And perhaps that is why Pinot Blanc has remained one of Alsace’s best-kept secrets for so long.
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