Everything About Folle-Blanche Grape

Origin: Southwest France

History: Folle Blanche is an ancient white grape variety from southwest France, traditionally used in the production of Cognac and Armagnac brandies. It was the dominant grape in these regions until the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, which led to its decline and replacement by more resistant varieties like Baco Blanc. Today, it is still cultivated in the Loire Valley, particularly in the Pays Nantais region, where it is known as Gros Plant and used to produce the tangy, dry white wine Gros Plant du Pays Nantais.

Appearance: Small, greenish-yellow berries forming tight clusters, making them somewhat vulnerable to disease pressure.

Growing Traits: Folle Blanche is a mid-ripening grape variety that thrives in well-drained soils ranging from limestone to sand and clay. It prefers mild to cool climates with temperatures between 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. The variety is naturally susceptible to diseases such as black rot, gray mold, mildew, and wood diseases like excoriosis. After the phylloxera crisis, grafted Folle Blanche became highly susceptible to oidium and mildew, leading to its decline in Cognac vineyards.