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🍇 Ugni Blanc ✓

Also known as: Trebbiano, Saint-Émilion
Pronunciation: OO Nee BLONK /uɲi blɑ̃/
White Origin: Cognac/Provence, France

About Ugni Blanc

Ugni Blanc is France's most planted white grape, primarily for Cognac and Armagnac production. Its high acidity and neutral character make it ideal for distillation.

As Trebbiano in Italy, it produces vast quantities of simple table wine. For drinking wine, it's rarely exciting but provides affordable everyday whites.

Wine Colour & Appearance

Typical colour: Very pale straw

Very pale

Colour Variations by Region

Table wine: Very pale straw
Intensity Very Pale
Clarity Brilliant
Viscosity Low

Wine Characteristics

Body
Light
Acidity
High
Sweetness
Dry
Alcohol
10–32%

Alcohol content varies significantly depending on the final product. Wines intended for Cognac production have much higher alcohol levels (28-32%) than typical dry white wines (12-13%). Ripe grapes in warmer regions can yield wines around 10-11%.

Aroma & Flavour Profile Le Nez du Vin Reference →

Aromas (Nose) [Le Nez aroma]

  • Citrus
  • Green apple
  • Neutral
  • Fresh

Flavours (Palate)

  • Citrus
  • Green apple
  • Light
  • Neutral

The Nose

Ugni Blanc wines offer a bright and inviting aromatic profile, initially bursting with fresh citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit alongside ripe pear. Subtle floral hints and a lively minerality develop, adding complexity to the primary fruit character. While typically enjoyed young and fresh, well-made examples can exhibit a delicate honeyed quality with age, though tertiary aromas are not typically prominent.

The Palate

Ugni Blanc wines are typically light-bodied and crisp, driven by a vibrant, citrus-forward profile of lemon and grapefruit, sometimes with a subtle hint of quince or green apple. These wines exhibit refreshing high acidity and a delicate, neutral character, occasionally offering a fleeting touch of almond or even a Sauvignon Blanc-like aromatic lift. Though rarely displaying noticeable tannins, Ugni Blanc delivers a clean, dry finish perfect for easy drinking.

Viticulture

Climate:
Prefers warm, dry climates. Adaptable but thrives in Mediterranean conditions.
Soil:
Tolerant of various soil types, but performs best in well-drained soils. Can handle limestone and gravelly soils.
Vigour:
High vigour, requiring careful canopy management.
Yield:
High yielding, often requiring yield control to maintain quality.
Canopy Management:
Requires careful canopy management (leaf removal, shoot thinning) to ensure good air circulation and sunlight penetration. Important to prevent disease and promote even ripening.
Pruning:
Typically double Guyot or Cordon de Royat trained. Pruning is important to manage vigour and yield.
Budding:
Early to mid-season budding.
Acidity:
High
Ageing Potential:
Generally not known for long ageing potential as a table wine, but can develop complexity with age in certain examples. Distilled spirits have significant ageing potential.
Body:
Light to medium
Botrytis:
Susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot, especially in humid conditions.
Breeder Notes:
Often used as a blending component to add acidity and freshness to other white wines.
Flavours:
Green apple, Lemon, Pear, Floral notes, Sometimes a slight herbaceousness
Grape Variety:
Ugni Blanc
Key Regions:
Cognac (France), Armagnac (France), South West France, Italy (Trebbiano Toscano), California (USA), Australia
Maturation:
Early to mid-season maturation. This is a significant advantage in cooler regions.
Mildew:
Susceptible to downy mildew and powdery mildew. Requires preventative spraying.
Origin:
France (likely Southwest France, possibly originating in Italy)
Phylloxera:
Requires grafting onto phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.
Rootstocks Compatibility:
Compatible with most common rootstocks.
Synonyms:
Trebbiano Toscano, Saint-Émilion, White Hermitage
Wine Style:
Primarily used for distillation into Cognac and Armagnac. Also produces dry, crisp white wines, often with high acidity.

Grape Morphology

Skin Thickness
Thin
Berry Size
Small
Bunch Tightness
Medium
Botrytis Susceptibility
High

Winemaking Notes

Oak Affinity
Low
Oxidation Tendency
Moderate
MLC Typical
Yes
Ageing Potential
drink young years

Blending Partners

Semillon — Traditional partner

To soften Ugni Blanc's high acidity and add body.

Common in: Bordeaux

Sauvignon Blanc — Secondary partner

To add aromatic complexity and lift to the blend, complementing Ugni Blanc's freshness.

Common in: Bordeaux

Muscadelle — Secondary partner

To contribute floral aromas and enhance the aromatic profile.

Common in: Bordeaux

Notable Regions

Cognac, France The primary and most famous region for Ugni Blanc, used almost exclusively for Cognac production. The chalky soils and maritime climate are ideal for the grape's acidity and aroma development.
Armagnac, France Another key region in southwest France, Armagnac also relies heavily on Ugni Blanc for its brandy. The terroir varies more than Cognac, but the grape consistently delivers the necessary qualities.
South West France (various areas) Beyond Cognac and Armagnac, Ugni Blanc is grown for dry white wines in the broader South West France region. These wines are often crisp, dry, and refreshing.
Languedoc-Roussillon, France Ugni Blanc is planted in Languedoc-Roussillon, often used in blends or for basic Vins de Pays. It's valued for its high yields and resistance to disease.
California, USA (limited plantings) Small plantings of Ugni Blanc (often called Saint-Émilion) exist in California, primarily for brandy production and increasingly for dry white wines. It's gaining some traction as a sustainable alternative.
Australia (limited plantings) Ugni Blanc is a relatively recent arrival in Australia, with small plantings used for sparkling wine and dry white table wine production. It's being explored for its potential in warmer climates.

Region Map

Old World vs New World

Understanding regional style differences helps identify origin in blind tasting.

🏰 Old World (Europe)

France/Italy

🌎 New World (Americas, Australasia)

California, Australia

Key Tells for Blind Tasting

Neutral + high acid + light

Similar Grapes & Lateral Confusion

These grapes are commonly confused with Ugni Blanc in blind tasting. Here's how to tell them apart:

Trebbiano

Why confused: same_variety

How to distinguish: Same grape, Italian name

Blind Tasting Tips

Key identifiers: Very neutral, high acidity, light body. Not distinctive.

Vintage History

Notable vintages for Ugni Blanc:

2023
Budburst early due to mild winter. Warm, dry summer with water stress in some areas. Harvested early September. Good concentration of sugars and acidity. Potential for powerful, aromatic Cognac base wines. Yields slightly lower than average.
2022
Warm and dry vintage, similar to 2022 but with slightly more rain in June. Healthy fruit, high sugar levels, and good acidity. Excellent potential for floral and fruity Cognac. Yields good.
2021
A challenging year with spring frosts and significant rainfall during flowering. Yields were considerably reduced. The resulting base wines are lean and high in acidity, potentially requiring careful blending. Armagnac will be more delicate.
2020
Warm and dry summer, leading to ripe and concentrated grapes. Harvested in late September. Good balance of sugar and acidity. Base wines show good potential for rich, fruity Cognac. Yields above average.
2019
A generous vintage with consistent warmth and adequate rainfall. Healthy fruit and good yields. Base wines are balanced and aromatic, promising a classic Cognac style. Good acidity for aging.
2018
Very warm and dry summer. Grapes ripened quickly, resulting in high sugar levels and lower acidity. Base wines are potentially opulent and fruity, but require careful management during distillation to avoid harshness. Good for 'Rancio' style Armagnac.
2017
A difficult vintage marked by severe spring frosts that significantly reduced yields. The remaining grapes were healthy, but the resulting base wines are concentrated and acidic. Expect smaller production and potentially more austere Cognac.
2016
Cooler vintage with consistent rainfall. Grapes ripened slowly, resulting in high acidity and moderate sugar levels. Base wines are fresh and vibrant, promising a lively Cognac style. Good for blending.
2015
Warm and dry vintage with early budburst. Concentrated fruit with good sugar and acidity. Excellent potential for complex and aromatic Cognac. Yields were high.
2014
A wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer. Healthy fruit and good yields. Base wines are balanced and aromatic, with good potential for aging. Classic vintage.
2013
Cool and wet vintage. Grapes struggled to ripen fully, resulting in lower sugar levels and higher acidity. Base wines are lean and potentially austere. Armagnac will be more restrained.
2012
Warm and dry vintage with early harvest. Concentrated fruit with good sugar and acidity. Excellent potential for rich and fruity Cognac. Yields were good.
2011
A cool and wet vintage, particularly during the summer months. Grapes ripened slowly, resulting in high acidity and moderate sugar levels. Base wines are fresh and vibrant, but may lack concentration.
2010
Exceptional vintage with warm, dry conditions throughout the growing season. Grapes ripened fully, resulting in concentrated fruit with excellent sugar and acidity. Considered a benchmark vintage for Ugni Blanc, promising exceptional Cognac and Armagnac.
2009
Warm and dry vintage, similar to 2010 but slightly less intense. Healthy fruit and good yields. Base wines are balanced and aromatic, with good potential for aging.
2008
Cool and wet vintage. Grapes struggled to ripen fully, resulting in lower sugar levels and higher acidity. Base wines are lean and potentially austere.
2005
Classic vintage with warm days and cool nights. Excellent balance of sugar and acidity. Base wines are complex and aromatic, with good aging potential. Highly regarded.
2003
Extremely hot and dry vintage. Grapes ripened very quickly, resulting in high sugar levels and lower acidity. Base wines are potentially opulent and fruity, but require careful management during distillation.

Food Pairings

🌱 Plant-Based & Vegetarian
Light saladsve Aperitifve
🍖 Classic Pairings
Simple seafood Light dishes

Parentage & Genetics

Parents: Folle Blanche × Peloursin

Clones

384

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

478

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

479

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

480

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

481

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

482

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

483

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

484

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

485

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

486

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

638

One of the eleven approved Ugni Blanc B clones, known for vigor.

1375

Certified Ugni Blanc clone, vigorous.

Bibliography

Books and articles about Ugni Blanc:

Ampelographie de la France by Victor Pulliat (Librairie Agricole de la Maison Rustique, 1957)

Classic ampelographic work. Detailed description of Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano). In French.

Le Cépage Ugni Blanc : Portrait d'un cépage emblématique by Sébastien Séguinot-Ouaiss (Editions Féret, 2017) ↗

A modern, in-depth study of Ugni Blanc, covering its history, viticulture, winemaking, and sensory characteristics. In French.

Wine Grape Varieties: A Modern Introduction to Vitis vinifera by Jancis Robinson, Linda Hutchinson, and Julia Harding (University of California Press, 2012)

Comprehensive overview of grape varieties, including Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano).

Cognac: The Story of a Brandy by Nicholas Faith (Sotheby's, 1987)

Historical and technical overview of Cognac production, with significant discussion of Ugni Blanc as the primary grape.

Armagnac: The Noble Spirit by Hubert Delirat (Editions de l'Orma, 2008)

Detailed account of Armagnac production, including the role of Ugni Blanc. In French.

The BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac) Website by BNIC (BNIC, Ongoing) ↗

Official source for Cognac regulations, statistics, and information. Includes details on permitted grape varieties (Ugni Blanc is dominant).

Understanding Wine Technology: The Science of Wine Explained by David Bird (DBQA Publishing, 2010)

General winemaking textbook; relevant sections on white wine production techniques applicable to Ugni Blanc.

The Oxford Companion to Wine by Jancis Robinson (Editor) (Oxford University Press, 2014)

Comprehensive wine encyclopedia. Entries on Ugni Blanc, Cognac, and Armagnac.

Genetic relationships between grape cultivars based on simple sequence repeats by V. Lauger, et al. (Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2002) ↗

Scientific paper detailing genetic analysis of grape varieties, including Ugni Blanc. Helps understand its parentage and relationship to other grapes.

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Page created: 28 January 2026 | Last updated: 30 January 2026

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Wine Colour

This section shows the typical appearance of wines made from this grape:

  • Colour swatches — Visual examples from young to aged expressions
  • Intensity — How deep or pale the colour typically appears
  • Clarity — Whether wines are typically clear, hazy, or have sediment
  • Viscosity — The "legs" or "tears" you see on the glass

Characteristics

Key structural elements that define the wine:

  • Acidity — How tart or fresh the wine tastes (low to high)
  • Body — The weight and texture in your mouth (light to full)
  • Alcohol — Typical alcohol range, sometimes with regional variations
  • Sweetness — Dry, off-dry, or sweet (where applicable)

Tannins (Red Wines)

For red wines, this section describes the tannin profile:

  • Level — Low, medium, or high tannin content
  • Texture — Velvety, silky, grippy, chalky, or sandy
  • Location — Where you feel them (front teeth, gums, cheeks, back of mouth)
  • Ageing potential — How tannins evolve over time

Aroma and Flavour Profile

Aromas (nose) and flavours (palate) are listed separately:

  • The Nose — What you smell before tasting
  • The Palate — What you taste and feel in your mouth
  • Le Nez numbers — References like [M15] correspond to Le Nez du Vin aroma kit bottles (M = Masterkit, O = Oak, F = Faults)
Tip: Le Nez Reference Click the "Le Nez du Vin Reference" link in the Aroma section header to see the full aroma reference chart.

Viticulture

Growing conditions this grape prefers:

  • Climate — Cool, moderate, or warm climate preferences
  • Soil — Preferred soil types (limestone, clay, gravel, etc.)
  • Vigour — How vigorously the vine grows
  • Challenges — Common growing difficulties (frost, rot, disease)

Notable Regions

Key wine regions where this grape excels:

  • Map thumbnails — Small preview maps for each region (where available)
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Old World vs New World

Compares how the grape is expressed in different regions:

  • Old World — Traditional European expressions (France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
  • New World — Modern expressions (Australia, USA, Chile, etc.)
  • Differences in style, ripeness, oak use, and flavour profiles

Similar Grapes

Grapes that are often confused with this variety in blind tasting:

  • Why confused — What characteristics they share
  • How to distinguish — Key differences to look for

Blind Tasting Tips

Practical guidance for identifying this grape when tasting blind:

  • Key markers to look for
  • Common pitfalls and look-alikes
  • Diagnostic characteristics that set it apart

Food Pairings

Suggested foods that complement wines from this grape:

  • Vegan/Vegetarian — Plant-based options listed first, marked (ve) for vegan
  • Classic pairings — Traditional meat and seafood matches
Full guide →