Folle blanche

The name ‘folle blanche’ comes from the inordinate acidity and remarkable paleness of this grape. Originally grown in the Charentes region, it was formerly the most common varietal in the production of cognac and armagnac for over two centuries. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cope well with the grafting process used since the phylloxera crisis, a method that has provoked grey rot and a collapse in yields for the Folle blanche. This varietal is also very sensitive to springtime frost. It has in many cases been replaced by the Ugni blanc, more resilient to frost and grafting. However, the fantastic quality of the spirits derived from this grape have saved it from being forgotten, and some vines survive yet.

Folle blanche is made to make Gros plant du pays Nantais, with its characteristics of discretion, lightness, acidity and low alcohol.