The grape variety Vidal Blanc

Vidal Blanc is a hybrid grape variety highly esteemed for its versatility and resilience, particularly in cool-climate viticulture. Aromatically, Vidal Blanc displays a lively bouquet of citrus fruits, notably grapefruit and lemon, complemented by nuances of tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. On the palate, it is characterised by a vibrant acidity, often accompanied by flavours of honeysuckle, green apple, and a subtle mineral undertone. These attributes contribute to a refreshing mouthfeel and an appealingly crisp finish.

The grape finds its principal expression in North America's cooler regions, with significant plantings in Canada—most notably Ontario and British Columbia—as well as in the northeastern United States, including New York's Finger Lakes and Michigan.

Vidal Blanc is renowned for producing a variety of wine styles, from dry and off-dry table wines to lusciously sweet icewines. Its thick skin and high acid content make it particularly suited to late harvest and icewine production, where it yields intensely aromatic and well-balanced dessert wines.

Recommended food pairings include shellfish, grilled white fish, and mild cheeses for the drier styles, while sweeter iterations pair exquisitely with fruit-based desserts, blue cheeses, or foie gras.