Villard Blanc is a white wine grape variety that is primarily grown in France. It is a hybrid grape that was developed in the 20th century by French viticulturist Bertille Seyve and his father-in-law Victor Villard. The grape is a cross between two other grape varieties, Seyval Blanc and Oberlin 595.
Villard Blanc is known for its hardiness and resistance to cold weather, making it suitable to grow in regions where other grape varieties might struggle. Wines made from Villard Blanc are often light and fresh with a bright acidity. They typically have flavors and aromas of green apple, citrus, and pear. It is commonly used in blends, but can also be used to produce varietal wines.
The wines made from Villard Blanc can be consumed young, but they also have a good aging potential. Despite their excellent qualities, these wines are not highly recognized globally due to the poor reputation of hybrid grape varieties.
Villard Blanc is also grown in small amounts in the United States, particularly in the cooler wine regions of the Midwest and Northeast, as well as in Canada.
