Behind evocative names such as Quillat, Quillard, Plant Dressé, Plant Debout, Braquet, Plant de Dame Blanc, or Notre-Dame de Guillan lies one and the same grape variety: Jurançon Blanc. These traditional names, once used throughout Aquitaine, bear witness to its key characteristic: an erect growth habit that sets it apart from others. Its history is equally remarkable, tracing back to ancient lineages, as evidenced by its parentage with Gouais, a founding grape variety of numerous European cultivars, as well as with Colombard and Folle Blanche.

Although traditionally associated with neutral, high-acid wines, Jurançon Blanc played a significant role in Bordeaux vineyards and beyond, particularly for distillation. A notable fact is its ability to give rise to new varieties, such as the Sauternes grape variety, also known as Sémillon Blanc, Soulenc, and Sauvignonasse. This capacity to evolve and adapt makes it an object of curiosity and a potential ally in the search for resilient grape varieties and sustainable viticulture facing contemporary climatic challenges.

Historically, the Folle Blanche grape variety, which shares genetic links with Jurançon Blanc, was widely planted in the Entre-Deux-Mers and renowned for its exceptional disease resistance—a major asset in the late 19th century. Jurançon Blanc also exhibits good resistance to downy mildew, making it a favoured choice at a time when combating vine diseases was a crucial challenge. Its propagation and use have marked the history of viticulture through its ability to adapt and yield consistently. In addition, the Jurançon Noir grape variety shares part of this history and these challenges. This is also the case for the Melon grape variety, which offers disease resistance, just as the Ugni Blanc grape variety is valued for its vigour.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Mid-early, approximately 6 days after Chasselas.
Flowering	Late.
Véraison	Rather late.
Ripening	Late second period to early third period, approximately 3 and a half weeks after Chasselas.
Vigour	High.
Growth habit	Erect, hence its vernacular names such as Plant Dressé or Plant Debout.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Fairly good resistance.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Susceptible.
Botrytis susceptibility	Susceptible to grey rot.
Black rot susceptibility	Low susceptibility.
Aromatic profile	Wines with neutral aromas, displaying marked acidity, with notes that can develop towards apple and citrus fruit.
Winemaking potential	Used for base wines suitable for distillation (eau-de-vie), or to bring freshness and crispness to blends. Can also produce dry, lively wines.

At Château Cazebonne, we are interested in the diversity of historic grape varieties and their adaptive potential. This is why we explore the heritage of varieties such as Jurançon Blanc, which shaped the Bordeaux vineyards in the past. This work of rediscovery is essential to understanding the roots of our viticulture and preparing for the future. To learn more about this approach, you can download our book on the history of Bordeaux grape varieties, test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, or discover our wines online directly in the shop.