Blanc du Bois

Blanc du Bois is a white wine grape variety that was developed in the mid-20th century by John A. Mortensen, a horticulturist at the University of Florida's Agricultural Research and Education Center. The grape is a hybrid, created by crossing various Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca varieties, and is particularly resistant to Pierce's disease, which makes it suitable for growing in the southern United States, particularly in Florida and Texas.

History

The Blanc du Bois grape was first developed in 1968, but it was not until 1987 that it was officially released for commercial cultivation. The grape was named after Emile DuBois, a winemaker from the Loire Valley in France who had moved to Texas and was known for his efforts to improve the quality of Texan wines.

Viticulture

Blanc du Bois is a vigorous vine that is resistant to Pierce's disease, a bacterial infection that is spread by the glassy-winged sharpshooter insect and is particularly prevalent in the southern United States. The grape is also resistant to downy and powdery mildew, but is susceptible to black rot and anthracnose.

Wine production

Blanc du Bois wines are typically medium-bodied with high acidity and aromas of citrus and tropical fruit. They can be made in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet, and are often used to produce dessert wines. In Texas, Blanc du Bois is often blended with other grape varieties to create unique wines.

Regions

While Blanc du Bois is most commonly grown in Florida and Texas, it is also cultivated in other southern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In recent years, the grape has also been planted in California and Arizona.

See also

• List of grape varieties
• Viticulture in the United States