A selection of white grape varieties

Cognac is made with grapes from the largest white wine region in France. Over 83,140 hectares of vines from several white wine varieties are spread out over the 6 “crus” or areas of the Cognac geographical indication. The choice of grape varieties is strictly regulated in the Cognac specifications.

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  • From Ugni Blanc to Colombard to Folle Blanche, Montils, Sémillon and Folignan, Cognac is made from white grapes low in sugars and with high acidity to meet the criteria of the Charentais distillation.

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  • Ugni Blancthe quintessential

    Present in over 98% of vineyards in the Cognac geographical indication, this medium-sized, thin-skinned, round grape variety actually originates from Tuscany, Italy.

Planted in France especially for its relative resistance to certain diseases (including grey rot), Ugni Blanc presents numerous advantages for producers.

This widely produced grape variety has high acidity and low sugar levels, resulting in a low-alcohol wine (8 to 9% vol.). Very high acidity is a key advantage, ensuring good natural aging potential. Ugni Blanc’s relatively neutral, well-balanced profile makes it an ideal grape variety for high-quality wine spirits. After distillation, it produces delicate, floral wine spirits with good aging potential while blending with other, more aromatic varieties contributes volume and finesse.

Did you know?

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In the late 19th century, the phylloxera crisis arrived in the Charente department from North America. This pernicious plant louse in the Hemiptera genus sucked the sap from the vine roots, destroying most of the vineyards. Since then, all grape varieties have been grafted on various rootstocks depending on the type of soil.

The other grape varieties

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  • Folle blanchethe survivor

    Folle blanche has been used to make smooth Cognac for centuries. This traditionally dominant grape variety was, unfortunately, one of the primary victims of the phylloxera crisis. More sensitive to disease once it has been grafted, it is no longer the leading grape variety. Representing less than 1% of vines planted, this white grape variety produces low-alcohol wines. It nevertheless remains a unique grape variety, producing well-balanced wine spirits with powerful aromas, released by distillation.

  • Colombardthe illustrious

    Colombard is one of the oldest surviving grape varieties in the Charente, originally produced there as a cross between Gouais and Chenin. With similar ripening potential to Ugni Blanc, it also features high acidity and low sugar levels. It is usually blended with other grape varieties and appreciated for its powerful aromatic potential, as well as, like Ugni Blanc, its high acidity.

  • Montilsthe local grape variety

    Montils is primarily grown in the Charentes region for making Pineau des Charentes. Despite displaying similar properties, Montils ripens earlier and has lower acidity compared to Ugni Blanc. While Montils produces high-quality spirits, production remains limited.

  • Folignanthe up-and-coming grape variety

    The result of a recent cross between Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche selected by the BNIC Viticulture Unit, this new grape variety features rich aromas but is prone to early ripening and is less resistant than Ugni Blanc. Folignan produces distilled wine spirits with strong floral aromas, such as rose and lilac.
    It was officially incorporated into the appellation decree in 2005, with an authorized limit of 10%.

What is the link between grape variety and PDO?


Grape varieties used to make Cognac must be specified in the Cognac PDO (Geographical Indication) specifications. The universally-recognized PDO label is synonymous with quality and recognizes vineyards that apply approved production methods within a delimited geographical area. It guarantees that production methods, terroir, and community traditions are respected.

Key points to remember

  • Ugni Blanc is the most widely-planted grape variety, accounting for 98% of vines in Cognac.
  • The grape varieties used to produce wine spirits entitled to the Cognac Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) are listed in the official specifications.