Trebbiano is a family of white grapes and among the most planted in Italy. Trebbiano Toscano is the most common member. In France the same variety goes by Ugni Blanc, the base grape of Cognac and Armagnac.
The names
Growers in Tuscany and Lazio also call Trebbiano Toscano Procanico, and some call it Albanella. Other grapes share the Trebbiano name but are separate varieties, such as Trebbiano Abruzzese and Trebbiano Spoletino. Italians have grown Trebbiano Toscano since Roman times.
In the vineyard
Growers value Trebbiano Toscano for high yields and high acidity. It ripens mid to late season.
How the wine tastes
Expect a pale straw, light-bodied, crisp white with a neutral flavor. Typical aromas are green apple, citrus and white flowers, and some wines turn herbal and lemony.
Where you find it
Trebbiano Toscano rarely makes a wine on its own. Producers use it as the base of blends and for distillation.
- Tuscan Vin Santo: Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianca Lunga form the base of nearly every Vin Santo appellation in Tuscany. Vin Santo del Chianti Classico requires at least 60% Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia together.
- Lazio: Trebbiano gives a fresh, high-acid side to many Castelli Romani and Tuscia whites, usually with Malvasia. Frascati DOC allows up to 30% Trebbiano Toscano and other white grapes next to at least 70% Malvasia.
- Cognac and Armagnac: as Ugni Blanc, the base wine for both brandies.
Sources: Italian Wine Central, Wikipedia, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC rules, Frascati DOC rules.
Illustration based on a photo by Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
