Folle Blanche Grapes

Folle Blanche grapes, once a cornerstone of cognac production, are a historic white variety grown in France’s Charente region, prized for their high acidity and delicate, floral aromas—think jasmine and citrus—that lend finesse to eaux-de-vie. Known as the “mad white” for their erratic yields, they dominated Cognac’s vineyards until the 1870s phylloxera crisis decimated them, paving the way for the hardier Ugni Blanc. Today, they account for less than 1% of the region’s plantings, but boutique producers like Réviseur or Delamain occasionally use them in blends or single-varietal expressions, valuing their elegant, aromatic contribution. Beyond cognac, Folle Blanche thrives in Armagnac and as a base for Pineau des Charentes, showcasing its versatile, if temperamental, charm.