Bianca (grape)

White grape variety

Bianca is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in Hungary and other parts of Central Europe. It is known for its resistance to cold climates and various grapevine diseases, making it a popular choice for viticulture in regions with challenging growing conditions.

History

Bianca was developed in Hungary in the 1960s by the viticulturist Károly Bakonyi. It is a cross between the grape varieties Bouvier and Eger 2, which itself is a cross of Eger 1 and Seyve-Villard 12375. The aim was to create a grape that could withstand the cold winters of Central Europe while producing high-quality wine.

Viticulture

Bianca is valued for its hardiness and adaptability. It is resistant to downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis bunch rot, which are common problems in viticulture. The grape thrives in cooler climates and can be grown in areas where other grape varieties might struggle.

Bianca grapes on the vine

The vine is vigorous and produces a high yield, which can be advantageous for wine producers. However, careful management is required to ensure that the quality of the grapes is not compromised by overproduction.

Wine characteristics

Bianca grapes produce wines that are typically light and aromatic. The wines often exhibit floral and fruity notes, with flavors of citrus, apple, and pear. Due to its high acidity, Bianca is often used in blends to add freshness and structure to the wine.

Regions

While Bianca is most commonly associated with Hungary, it is also grown in other countries such as Slovakia, Czech Republic, and parts of Germany. Its ability to withstand cold temperatures makes it suitable for regions that experience harsh winters.

Bianca grapevine

Winemaking

Bianca is versatile in winemaking and can be used to produce a variety of wine styles, including dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines. It is also used in the production of sparkling wines due to its high acidity and aromatic profile.

Related pages

• List of grape varieties
• Hungarian wine
• Viticulture

Wine made from Bianca grapes

See also

• Wine production
• Grape
• List of white grape varieties