The grape variety Folle Blanche

Folle Blanche is a traditional white grape variety, historically significant in Western France, particularly in the Loire Valley and the South West, and most famously in the regions of Cognac, Armagnac and Pays Nantais. Known for producing invigoratingly fresh and crisp wines, Folle Blanche offers a distinctive aromatic profile featuring notes of green apple, citrus peel, white flowers, and a subtle mineral undertone. On the palate, the wines are marked by their high acidity, light body, and vivid freshness, often finishing with a mouth-watering, saline character.

While it is most often associated with the production of traditional spirits such as Armagnac and Cognac, Folle Blanche can also be found in lively varietal white wines and crisp blends. In Muscadet, it is sometimes used alongside Melon de Bourgogne to enhance brightness and aromatic lift. The variety’s naturally brisk acidity makes it an ideal partner for oysters, shellfish, fresh goat’s cheese, and light fish dishes, as well as being a refreshing apéritif. Folle Blanche wines, with their purity and drive, showcase an appealing, food-friendly versatility, echoing the maritime influence of their coastal home.