Bianca
Also known as: Egri Csillagok 40, Bianka, EC 40
Bianca
Summary
Bianca is a Hungarian PIWI variety producing neutral, versatile white wines with excellent disease resistance. Developed at the Eger Wine Research Station in 1963, Bianca was one of the earliest successful PIWI varieties and remains widely planted today with approximately 800 hectares globally. While primarily used for everyday table wines and distillation due to its neutral character, Bianca’s disease resistance and reliable productivity have made it important for organic viticulture and in challenging climates. The variety demonstrates that disease-resistant hybrids can produce commercially successful wines even without distinctive varietal character.
Identity
VIVC: Entry #1309
Berry Color: BLANC
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)
Breeding Number: Egri Csillagok 40 (EC 40)
Creator: Eger Wine Research Station (Egerszőlős), Hungary
Year: 1963
Genetic Origin
Parentage: Villard Blanc × Bouvier
Breaking down the parentage:
- Villard Blanc: French hybrid (Seibel 6468 × Subereux); disease resistant
- Bouvier: Austrian/Hungarian vinifera variety; early ripening, neutral
Breeding Goal: Create a productive, disease-resistant variety for Hungarian conditions
Result: Successful neutral variety for bulk wine and distillation
Disease Resistance Profile
| Disease | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Powdery Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Botrytis | MEDIUM | Some susceptibility |
| Phylloxera | Good tolerance | Can be grown own-rooted |
Spray Reduction: 60-80% reduction vs. traditional varieties
Historical Importance: One of the first commercially successful PIWI varieties, proving the concept of disease-resistant wine grapes.
Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~800 hectares
| Country | Hectares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | ~400 | Origin; established |
| Germany | ~200 | Quality and bulk |
| Switzerland | ~50 | Organic focus |
| Czech Republic | ~50 | Growing |
| Other | ~100 | Various |
Market Position: Bulk wine, blending, and distillation rather than premium varietal wines
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium to high
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Medium
- Flowering: Mid-season
- Véraison: Medium-early
- Harvest: Early to medium
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Continental (Central European)
- Heat Summation: 1,200-1,600 GDD (base 10°C)
- Versatility: Adaptable to various conditions
- Frost: Good tolerance
Soil Preferences
- Adaptable: Performs on various soils
- Ideal: Well-drained, moderate fertility
- Traditional: Hungarian wine soils
Viticultural Management
- Training: Guyot or cordon
- Pruning: Can handle higher bud loads
- Yield: Productive (80-120 hl/ha possible)
- Spray Program: Significantly reduced
- Own-Rooted: Can be grown without grafting in some areas
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 19-22° | Moderate |
| pH | 3.2-3.5 | Moderate |
| Titratable Acidity | 5.5-7.5 g/L | Moderate |
| YAN | 150-220 mg/L | Variable |
Phenolic Profile
- Character: Neutral
- Terpenes: Low
- Quality: Clean, unobtrusive
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Neutral strains
- Temperature: 16-20°C
- Duration: 10-14 days
- Vessel: Stainless steel
Uses
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Table Wine | Everyday white; fresh, neutral |
| Blending | Adds neutrality to blends |
| Distillation | Base for spirits |
| Organic Wine | Disease resistance valued |
Malolactic Fermentation
- Variable: Depends on desired style
- Effect: Softens if allowed
Oak Treatment
- Standard: None
- Philosophy: Neutral character doesn’t benefit from oak
Sensory Profile
Visual
- Intensity: Pale
- Hue: Straw
- Clarity: Brilliant
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Subtle citrus, green apple |
| Character | NEUTRAL (defining characteristic) |
| Other | Clean, unobtrusive |
Palate
- Body: Light to medium
- Acidity: Medium
- Texture: Clean, simple
- Finish: Short, clean
- Alcohol: Moderate (11-13%)
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- Neutral Character: Limited varietal interest
- Market Positioning: Difficult to sell as premium
- Competition: Many neutral options available
- Quality Ceiling: Limited complexity potential
- Recognition: Often unknown to consumers
Opportunities
- Disease Resistance: Organic production viable
- Productivity: Reliable yields
- Versatility: Multiple uses (wine, spirits)
- Cost Efficiency: Low production costs
- Blending Base: Useful component
Winemaking Tips
- Harvest for freshness, not complexity
- Simple, clean winemaking suits variety
- Consider for base wines and blending
- Market on sustainability credentials
- Useful for entry-level organic wines
Historical Significance
Bianca’s importance lies in its pioneering role:
- Early PIWI Success: Proved hybrid grapes can work commercially
- Hungarian Innovation: Demonstrated Eastern European breeding capability
- Concept Proof: Showed disease resistance and wine quality can coexist
Comparison with Other Neutral PIWI
| Characteristic | Bianca | Seyval Blanc | Johanniter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character | Neutral | Neutral-Citrus | Aromatic |
| Acidity | Medium | High | Medium |
| Disease Resistance | High | High | High |
| Primary Use | Bulk/Distill | Sparkling | Varietal |
| Quality Tier | Basic | Basic-Premium | Premium |
Sources
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). Wine Grapes. Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- Eger Wine Research Station (Hungary)
- PIWI International Association
- German Wine Institute
Last Updated: January 13, 2026