Colombard vs Folle Blanche
How to tell them apart in a blind tasting
The clearest separator between Colombard and Folle Blanche is alcohol: Colombard is Medium while Folle Blanche is Low. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Step 02
Colombard vs Folle Blanche
Compare structure side by side, then resolve the close-call with the right separator.
Colombard leans zesty citrus-tropical profile with high acidity and light-to-medium body; Folle Blanche leans high-acid citrus and orchard-fruit profile with light body and saline edge.
Train this pair →Aroma Markers
Shared signature markers
- lemon
Colombard more likely markers
- grapefruit
- guava
Folle Blanche more likely markers
- iodine
- white flowers
Decision Cues
Most useful separators
- Colombard leans zesty citrus-tropical profile with high acidity and light-to-medium body; Folle Blanche leans high-acid citrus and orchard-fruit profile with light body and saline edge.
High-signal differences
- Body: Folle Blanche slightly higher (Medium(−) vs Medium).
- Alcohol: Colombard much higher (Medium vs Low).
Reference context
Colombard
Classic regions:
- Charentes
- Cotes de Gascogne
- Languedoc
Style examples:
- Southwest France Colombard blend
- High-acid aromatic Gascony white
- Fresh citrus-tropical white for early drinking
Folle Blanche
Classic regions:
- Armagnac
- Loire
- Nantes
Style examples:
- Gros Plant du Pays Nantais from Folle Blanche
- Armagnac base wine from Folle Blanche
- High-acid French white used in Atlantic dry wines and distillation bases
Common questions
How do you tell Colombard and Folle Blanche apart in a blind tasting?
The clearest separator between Colombard and Folle Blanche is alcohol: Colombard is Medium while Folle Blanche is Low. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Colombard or Folle Blanche higher in alcohol?
On the WSET ladder, Colombard is Medium and Folle Blanche is Low for alcohol.
Are Colombard and Folle Blanche red or white?
Colombard and Folle Blanche are both white grape varieties.