Ugni Blanc Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano in Italy) is France's most planted white grape, the crisp, neutral variety distilled into Cognac and Armagnac and also made into fresh, easy-drinking dry whites.
Learn more about Ugni Blanc
History & origins
Ugni Blanc originated in Italy, where as Trebbiano it has been grown since Roman times. It likely arrived in southern France in the 14th century, possibly with the papal court in Avignon. After phylloxera, its vigor, high yields and naturally high acidity made it the ideal replacement for Folle Blanche in the Charente, and it now supplies the vast majority of Cognac.
French regions & appellations
Cognac and Armagnac; IGP Côtes de Gascogne (often blended with Colombard), Côtes de Provence and Cassis whites, Bordeaux whites and IGP Pays d'Oc.
Taste profile
Light-bodied, lean and refreshing, with lemon, green apple, pear, white flowers and a subtle herbal, almond-skin finish; best drunk young.
Food pairing
An easy match for oysters, steamed mussels, grilled white fish, salade Niçoise, vegetable tarts, fresh goat cheese and sunny aperitifs.
Where Ugni Blanc grows in France
Wine regions: Bordeaux, Cognac, Provence, Sud-Ouest
Appellations: Bandol, Crémant de Bordeaux, Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Côtes de Gascogne, IGP Atlantique, IGP Méditerranée, Pineau des Charentes