Folle Blanche
Folle Blanche is a white grape variety with a fascinating history – and a name that piques curiosity: "Folle" means something like "crazy" or "exuberant" and alludes to its lush, wildly sprawling growth. It originates in western France, where it has been cultivated since the 14th century. Before the phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century, it was the undisputed number one for the production of Cognac and Armagnac, because its secret lies in an apparent contradiction: its grapes provide little aroma, but an incredibly high, crisp acidity – exactly what distillers look for in their fine brandies. After the disaster, it was almost completely displaced by the easier-to-care-for Ugni Blanc, but today it is experiencing a well-deserved renaissance. In the glass, Folle Blanche presents itself as a bright, fresh wine with a precise bouquet of green citrus fruits, green apple, white flowers and an almost salty minerality reminiscent of the sea breeze of its homeland. On the palate, it reveals its true strength: a lively, firm acidity that lends it astonishing clarity and elegance – a wine to melt away in for all who love fresh, uncomplicated white wines. As Gros Plant du Pays Nantais on the Loire, it is the perfect accompaniment to oysters and seafood, while its aged versions made with Armagnac delight with notes of vanilla and orange peel. A piece of French wine history to rediscover.
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Tastings Silver Medal 2012
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Folle Blanche – the classic distilling variety from France
Folle Blanche is one of the oldest white wine grapes in France and has its firm place in the world of distillates. In the Vinoscout range, you will find two products based on this variety, from 29.99 euros.
Origin & Character
For centuries, Folle Blanche was the dominant grape variety in the Cognac and Armagnac region before phylloxera largely displaced it. Today, it lives on primarily in artisanal operations that appreciate its character: high acidity, lean body, fine fruitiness. As a distilling grape, it provides light, floral distillates with a certain freshness, which develop into complex aromas of dried apricot, vanilla, and hazelnut in the cask. Anyone looking for Cognac or Armagnac with an elegant, less heavy profile is in good hands with Folle-Blanche-based bottlings.
Pairs well with
- Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content
- Aged hard cheese, such as Comté or Manchego
- Caramelized desserts like Tarte Tatin or Crème brûlée
- On its own after a meal, slightly tempered
Buy Folle Blanche at Vinoscout
The two bottlings in the range – including an X.O. from Alexandre Leopold and a V.S.O.P. from Monnet – show how differently Folle Blanche can mature in the cask. Both are suitable as a gift or as an introduction to the world of classic French distillates.