Gros Plant, also known as Folle Blanche, is a white grape variety predominantly found in the Loire Valley of France. This grape is well-known for producing a dry white wine called Muscadet, which has a high acidity and a light body.
The Gros Plant vine is quite productive and hearty, making it resistant to harsh weather conditions. It buds and ripens early, which sometimes leads to problems with springtime frosts. The grapes are small, densely packed, and known for their high juice yield.
As for the wine it produces, Gros Plant is typically pale yellow in color, with greenish hues. On the nose, it offers fresh, fruity aromas with dominating notes of green apple, grapefruit, and citrus. The wine's high acidity and slightly salty character make it exceptionally refreshing, and thus, it pairs well with seafood, shellfish, and oysters.
Despite its French origin, Gros Plant is also grown in other countries such as Spain and Italy. However, it is less common and often used in the production of brandy, rather than wine, in these regions.
