Folle Blanche
Also known as: Gros Plant, Picpoul, Enrageat
Folle Blanche
Quick Facts
- Berry Color: Green-yellow
- Skin Thickness: Thin
- Ripening: Early to mid-season
- Vigor: High
- Yield: Very high
- Acidity: Very high
- Character: Sharp, acidic, neutral
Overview
Folle Blanche is a high-acid white grape variety historically important for brandy production (Cognac and Armagnac) and table wine production in the Loire’s Pays Nantais (as Gros Plant). The variety’s extreme acidity and neutral character made it ideal for distillation, though phylloxera complications reduced its importance for Cognac. Today it survives primarily in Armagnac and as Gros Plant du Pays Nantais, producing sharp, bracing wines that divide opinion. For enologists, Folle Blanche represents study in extremely high-acid winemaking and dual-purpose grape varieties.
Etymology and History
Name Origin
Folle Blanche: “Mad white” (possibly from prolific production)
Gros Plant: “Big vine” (Loire name)
Connection: Reference to vigorous growth
Historical Development
- Ancient cultivation in southwest France
- Historic Cognac base variety
- Phylloxera devastation (grafting problems)
- Replaced by Ugni Blanc in Cognac
- Survives in Armagnac and Loire
The Cognac Decline
Pre-Phylloxera: Primary Cognac variety
Problem: Difficult to graft; rot-prone
Replacement: Ugni Blanc became dominant
Legacy: Now minor Cognac component
Viticulture
Vine Characteristics
Growth Habit: Very vigorous; productive
Leaf Shape: Large
Cluster: Large; compact
Berry: Medium; thin-skinned
Growing Requirements
Climate: Cool; maritime (Loire)
Soil Preference: Various
Challenge: Rot susceptibility
Training: Various methods
Phenological Stages
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bud break | Mid-April |
| Flowering | Late May |
| Véraison | Late July |
| Harvest | September (for wine) |
Viticultural Challenges
Rot: Very susceptible (thin skins; compact clusters)
Grafting: Historically problematic
Result: Declined in many regions
Wine Styles
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC
Style: Dry; very acidic; sharp
Character: Lean; citrus; mineral
Controversy: Some love; many find too harsh
Brandy Base
Purpose: Distillation for Armagnac
Character: High acid; low alcohol
Quality: Excellent for distillation
Wine Profile
As Table Wine
Color: Very pale straw
Aromas: Citrus (lemon); green; neutral
Palate: Extremely acidic; lean; sharp
Finish: Short; tart
Character
Signature: Extreme acidity
Challenge: Balance for table wine
Advantage: Oyster pairing perfection
Regional Expressions
Pays Nantais (Loire)
AOC: Gros Plant du Pays Nantais
Character: Sharp; lean; austere
Pairing: Local oysters (Marennes)
Armagnac
Role: Traditional base variety
Character: Excellent distillation qualities
Status: Valued for Armagnac
Winemaking Considerations
For Table Wine
Fermentation: Complete dryness
Challenge: Managing extreme acidity
Approach: No MLF (maintain freshness)
Result: Bracing, sharp wines
For Distillation
Requirements: Low alcohol; high acid
Quality: Ideal characteristics
Result: Quality spirit base
The Acidity Question
Levels: Among highest of any variety
Perception: Divides consumers
Best Use: Oyster pairing; distillation
Food Pairing
Perfect Match
Oysters: Legendary pairing
Reason: Acid cuts through richness; minerality matches
Tradition: Nantes/Atlantic coast
Limited Range
Challenge: High acid limits pairings
Best: Shellfish; very light seafood
Avoid: Rich dishes; most foods
Key Producers
Loire
Various Nantais producers: Traditional
Armagnac
Various distillers: Base wine production
Market Position
Production Statistics
France: ~4,000+ hectares
Primary Use: Armagnac > Gros Plant
Trend: Stable; declining table wine interest
Pricing
| Use | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Gros Plant | €5-10 |
Market Position
Niche: Very limited appeal
Strength: Oyster pairing tradition
Challenge: Most find too acidic
Comparison with High-Acid Varieties
| Variety | Acidity | Body | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folle Blanche | Extreme | Light | Wine/brandy |
| Ugni Blanc | Very high | Light | Brandy/wine |
| Aligoté | Very high | Light | Wine |
| Riesling | High | Light-medium | Wine |
The Oyster Connection
Perfect Pairing
Tradition: Atlantic coast classic
Science: Acid/minerality complement
Experience: Transformative with fresh oysters
Limitation: Narrow pairing range
Conclusion
Folle Blanche represents an extreme expression of high-acid winemaking—a variety that divides opinion as table wine but excels in its traditional roles of brandy base and oyster partner. For enologists, Folle Blanche demonstrates the importance of matching variety character to purpose, whether distillation or the specific pairing context that makes its challenging acidity an asset. While never achieving widespread acclaim, Gros Plant du Pays Nantais offers a unique experience for those willing to embrace its bracing character, particularly alongside Atlantic shellfish.
References
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database. Variety Information.
Last updated: January 13, 2026