Verdesse
An old white grape from eastern France with thick-skinned berries.
Verdesse is a white French wine grape mainly found in the Bugey AOC of eastern France, although it is not currently allowed in that appellation. Under the Vin de Savoie AOC, it is permitted for wines from the Isère department, but only up to 10% of the blend. Ampelographers believe this grape is quite ancient, originating in the Drac and Grésivaudan valleys of Isère.
Quick Facts
- Species
- Vitis vinifera
- Origin
- France
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Despite several synonyms suggesting muskiness, wines from Verdesse are usually not musky.
- The grape can produce full-bodied, highly alcoholic wines with pronounced aromatics.
- Synonyms include Bian ver, Blanchette, Clairette de Chindrieux, and Verdesse Muscade.
Viticulture
Verdesse thrives on clay and limestone slopes. It tolerates botrytis well but is highly susceptible to powdery and downy mildew. The clusters are small to medium, compact, conical, and often have a side wing. Berries range from greenish white to golden yellow after veraison, sometimes turning amber when fully ripe and sunburnt. The ellipsoid berries have thick skin. Ampelographers Louis Levadoux and Linda Bisson placed Verdesse in the Pelorsien eco-geogroup.
More in White Wine Grape Varieties from France
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