Ugni blanc, a whisper of lightness
It’s a grape with more than one name up its sleeve. First known as Trebbiano Bianco in Tuscany, it later travelled across the Alps in the Middle Ages to settle in France as the “Saint‑Émilion des Charentes,” eventually conquering the regions of Cognac and Armagnac. But its most familiar name today is simply ugni blanc.
What hasn’t changed over the centuries? Its innate freshness and understated finesse.
sensory
profile
Early
Late
Sweet
Acidic
Light
Powerful
Who’s behind the skin of ugni blanc
Vigorous and generous, ugni blanc grows in long, narrow clusters with round berries ranging from golden yellow to slightly coppery when the sun lingers. Their pulp is juicy and abundant. Though it accounts for barely 2% of white plantings in the Bordeaux vineyards, it has earned its place thanks to wines that may seem aromatically reserved but offer impeccable liveliness and balance.
And in the GLass?
Sight
a pale straw hue.
Nose
fresh, discreet white‑flower notes lifted by hints of citrus and quince.
Palate
dry, finely cut wines with a subtly nervy edge.
In blends
Il apporte une touche d’acidité à ses compères blancs. De quoi participer à réveiller les vins et à leur donner un supplément de fraîcheur.
Good to know
- Ugni blanc is one of Bordeaux’s heritage white varieties, rooted in the region for centuries.
- Its list of aliases is long — beyond those already mentioned: malvoisie, clairette, queue de renard, roussan, rossola, and more.
- ● It is related to vermentino.
- ● It thrives on limestone soils, provided it is sheltered from strong winds.
- ● It naturally produces wines with low alcohol levels.
Where does
ugni blanc grow?
Primarily in the Côtes de Bourg, and more discreetly in the AOPs Bordeaux AOP, Bordeaux Supérieur AOP, Côtes de Bordeaux AOP, Crémant de Bordeaux AOP and Entre-deux-Mers AOP.
Other white grape varieties
