French Ugni Blanc is the same grape as Italian Trebbiano.
Citrus, Green Apple, Pear, and Peach are typical flavors for Ugni Blanc. With hints of Basil, Bitter Almond, and Salty Minerals.
Lime |
Grapefruit |
Apple |
Pear |
Peach |
Basil |
Bitter Almond |
Seashell |
Ugni Blanc is dry, crisp, and moderately acidic:
SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
BODY: | Light |
FRUIT: | Low |
ACIDITY: | Medium Plus |
ALCOHOL: | 11.5-13.5% ABV |
Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Ugni Blanc is best known as an Aperitif, or as a starter wine for a delicate first course.
Aperitif |
Pasta |
Balsamico |
Antipasti |
Seafood |
Chicken |
Pork |
Ham |
Antipasti.
Pasta with Pesto.
Lightly Smoked Meat. Ham.
Onion. Garlic. White Pizza.
Seafood Pasta with Lemon.
Pork or Veal with Citric or Acidic Sauces.
Vegetables with Citric or Acidic Sauces.
Hard Cheese.
Lightly Smoked Cheese.
Pici Cacio e Pepe (Pasta with Pecorino Cheese and Black Pepper).
Fried Chicken in Lemon Sauce.
Escabèche (Sardines in Vinegar).
A Tulip Shaped Glass with a slightly smaller bowl can be suitable for various dry white wine styles. It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides where acidity is less pleasant. A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold. It also helps if you hold the glass by the stem! |
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the Ugni Blanc's acidity.
Add fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Ugni Blanc.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Ugni Blanc.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the cheese.
Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
Trebbiano grapes account for around one third of all white wine production in Italy. The grape is a part of more than 80 Italian DOCs (Controlled Origin Denomination).
The best know are:
The best known Trebbiano based blend is the Orvieto from Umbria
Trebbiano is also well known as a grape used in the production of Brandy and Balsamico.
Ugni Blanc is the most planted white wine grape in France.
The planting areas are twice as big as in Italy.
Ugni Blanc is also an important grape in the Cognac and Armagnac production.
Most of the planting in France is in the Cognac region.
Most often Ugni Blanc is blended or used to produce industrial alcohol.
Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.
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