During the Middle Ages, both Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc were widely planted in France. The exact origins of Pinot Noir are unclear, but it is first mentioned in a Burgundian text from 1375. Gouais Blanc, one of the oldest known grape varieties of the Vitis vinifera species, was likely brought to Burgundy by the Roman Emperor Probus in the third century. The two varieties crossed at least 16 times to give rise to varieties such as Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Melon, Aligoté and Auxerrois. Since 1950, Chardonnay plantings in France have increased thirteenfold and worldwide plantings have exploded similarly. The variety comprised 79% of Mendocino's entire 2023 white grape harvest (Sauvignon Blanc accounted for 14%, while the remaining 31 varieties made up only seven percent.)

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