Grape Phylloxera

Grape phylloxera, a tiny aphid-like pest native to North America, devastated European vineyards, including those in Cognac, France, during the late 19th century. Introduced accidentally via American vine imports, it feasts on Vitis vinifera roots—like Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche—causing vines to wither and die. Striking Cognac in the 1870s, it slashed production, wiping out nearly 80% of the region’s 280,000 hectares by 1893, forcing a shift from Folle Blanche to phylloxera-resistant grafted rootstocks, notably Ugni Blanc. The crisis reshaped cognac’s landscape, with houses like Réviseur adapting to new varietals, while sparking innovations like blending and global exports. Though controlled today, phylloxera’s legacy lingers as a pivotal chapter in cognac’s resilience and evolution.