Gouais Blanc

Gouais Blanc (or Weißer Heunisch) is a white grape variety that is believed to have originated in Croatia and was widely cultivated in Central Europe during the Middle Ages. It is a parent of many traditional French and German grape varieties.

History

The origins of Gouais Blanc can be traced back to the Roman Empire. It was brought to Gaul by the Romans and its cultivation spread throughout the empire. The grape was widely grown by peasants in the Middle Ages, which led to its French name 'Gouais', derived from the old French adjective 'gou', a term of derision roughly translated as 'a tasteless thing'. Despite its reputation, Gouais Blanc was a hardy vine that was resistant to disease, making it a popular choice for cultivation.

Characteristics

Gouais Blanc is a high-yielding grape variety that produces light, acidic wines. It is also used in the production of distilled beverages. The grape has a robust and vigorous vine, which can easily adapt to different soil types. However, it is susceptible to various grape diseases such as powdery mildew and grey rot.

Legacy

Gouais Blanc is known to have parented many grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Gamay, Aligoté, and Melon de Bourgogne. This is due to the grape's propensity to mutate easily, and its historical cultivation alongside other varieties such as Pinot. The genetic diversity of Gouais Blanc and its ability to cross with other grape varieties have significantly contributed to the biodiversity of wine grapes.

Current Status

Today, Gouais Blanc is nearly extinct and is no longer used in commercial wine production. However, some vintners in Switzerland and France's Jura wine region have started to revive the grape due to its historical significance.

See Also

• History of wine
• List of grape varieties
• Viticulture
• Wine grape