Baco Blanc - Viticulture and Wine Styles

Viticulture and Wine Styles

While Baco Blanc does not share Folle Blanche's sensitivities to grey and black grape rots, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew. This susceptibility is enhanced due to the tendency of Baco Blanc vines to bud early and ripen late, putting at risk to rains and moisture of both early spring and early harvest time. However, while its growing season cycle doesn't bode well for wine production, its tendency to produce high acid, neutral flavor grapes with low sugars does work well for distillation.

According to wine connoisseurs and experts, like Jancis Robinson, grape-based spirits made from Baco Blanc often are not as fine and complex as those made from Folle Blanche or Ugni Blanc. But they do have a tendency to age quickly, which creates a market for brandies meant for near-term consumption.