Ugni Blanc (Vitis vinifera), also known as Trebbiano Toscano, is a high-yielding white grape variety primarily grown in France and Italy. It is the dominant grape in Cognac and Armagnac production due to its naturally high acidity and low sugar content, making it ideal for distillation. The grape produces light, crisp wines with citrus, green apple, and floral notes. It thrives in warm, maritime climates and limestone-rich soils. Ugni Blanc is resistant to Botrytis but susceptible to powdery and downy mildew. Its late ripening ensures balanced acidity, crucial for both still wines and spirits. Often blended, it enhances freshness and longevity in wines.

#### **General Information**

- **Species:** *Vitis vinifera*

- **Synonyms:** Trebbiano Toscano (Italy), Saint-Émilion (France), Thalia (Portugal)

- **Origin:** Italy (as Trebbiano), widely grown in France

- **Primary Regions:** France (Cognac, Armagnac, Languedoc-Roussillon), Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Eastern Europe

#### **Viticultural Characteristics**

- **Vigor:** High

- **Yield:** Very high (often exceeding 100 hL/ha)

- **Growth Habit:** Upright, strong vegetative growth

- **Budbreak:** Late

- **Ripening Period:** Late (mid to late September in France)

- **Soil Preference:** Well-drained, limestone-rich, clay-limestone, sandy soils

- **Climate Suitability:** Warm, Mediterranean, and maritime climates

- **Disease Resistance:**

- Good resistance to Botrytis cinerea (due to thick skins)

- Susceptible to downy and powdery mildew

- Moderate resistance to drought

#### **Grape and Wine Characteristics**

- **Berry Size:** Small to medium

- **Berry Skin:** Thin, golden-green when ripe

- **Cluster Shape:** Large, loose, conical clusters

- **Acidity:** High (one of the highest among white varieties)

- **Sugar Content:** Low to moderate (potential alcohol 9-11% ABV)

- **Aromatic Profile:** Neutral, with light citrus, green apple, floral, and herbal notes

- **Mouthfeel:** Crisp, light-bodied, refreshing

#### **Winemaking & Usage**

- **Primary Uses:**

- Distillation (Cognac, Armagnac, Brandy)

- Dry and blended white wines

- Base for sparkling wines

- **Fermentation:**

- Typically fermented at cool temperatures to retain acidity

- Often blended with other varieties to enhance freshness

- **Aging Potential:** Limited for still wines, but aged extensively in distillation applications

#### **Notable Appellations & Uses**

- **Cognac & Armagnac (France):** Key component for high-quality distillation due to acidity and low alcohol, which improves aging potential.

- **Côtes de Gascogne (France):** Used in fresh, aromatic white wines.

- **Languedoc & Provence (France):** Blended in dry, light whites.

- **Italy (as Trebbiano Toscano):** Found in white wine blends, often contributing acidity.

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