" We don't sell the wine without touching the vine "
Ugni Blanc
Filter
Ugni Blanc, also known as Trebbiano in Italy, is a white wine grape variety that is widely grown in various wine regions around the world. It is known for its versatility and is used in the production of a wide range of wines, from light and crisp whites to fortified and dessert wines.
Here are some key characteristics and uses of Ugni Blanc:
Origin: Ugni Blanc is believed to have originated in Italy but is more commonly associated with France, particularly in the Cognac and Armagnac regions, where it is a primary grape variety used in the production of brandy.
Versatility: This grape variety is known for its high acidity, which makes it suitable for both still and sparkling wines. It can also be used to produce both dry and sweet wines.
Brandy Production: Ugni Blanc is perhaps most famous for its role in brandy production. In France, it is the primary grape variety used in the production of Cognac and Armagnac, two renowned types of brandy. The high acidity and relatively neutral flavor of Ugni Blanc make it an ideal base for distillation.
White Wine: Ugni Blanc is used to make white wines in some regions, particularly in Italy. These wines are often light and crisp, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and sometimes floral notes.
Fortified and Sweet Wines: In some regions, Ugni Blanc is used to produce fortified wines and sweet dessert wines. When grapes are left to ripen on the vine, they can accumulate sugars, and these can be used to make sweet wines through various winemaking techniques.
Other Names: In addition to Ugni Blanc, this grape variety goes by various names in different regions. For example, it's known as Trebbiano in Italy, where it's widely planted. In some parts of France, it's also called St. Émilion and Roussin.
High Yields: Ugni Blanc vines are known for their high yields, which can make them attractive to growers. However, this can also lead to lower-quality wines if not managed properly.
Aromas and Flavors: The flavor profile of Ugni Blanc wines can vary depending on where it's grown and how it's vinified. Common aromas and flavors include citrus, green apple, white flowers, and sometimes herbal notes.
While Ugni Blanc is not as celebrated as some other grape varieties for its table wines, it plays a crucial role in the world of spirits, particularly in the production of Cognac and Armagnac. These brandies are esteemed for their complexity and are enjoyed by connoisseurs worldwide.
No products found
- back
Selected Options
Grape Types
Categories
Pricing
Countries
Regions
Grape Types
Wineries
Organic/Free Shipping
Franz Prager, co-founder of the Vinea Wachau, had already earned a reputation for his wines when Toni Bodenstein married into the family. Bodenstein’s passion for biodiversity and old terraces, coupled with brilliant winemaking, places Prager in the highest echelon of Austrian producers.
Smaragd is a designation of ripeness for dry wines used exclusively by members of the Vinea Wachau. The wines must have minimum alcohol of 12.5%. The grapes are hand-harvested, typically in October and November, and are sent directly to press where they spontaneously ferment in stainless-steel tanks.
Klaus sits adjacent to Achleiten and is one of the Wachau’s most famous vineyards for Riesling. The vineyard is incredibly steep with a gradient of 77% at its steepest point. The southeast-facing terraced vineyard of dark migmatite-amphibolite and paragneiss produces a tightly wound and powerful wine. The parcel belonging to Toni Bodenstein was planted in 1952.
Tasting Notes:
Austrian Riesling is often defined by elevated levels of dry extract thanks to a lengthy ripening period and freshness due to dramatic temperature swings between day and night. “Klaus is not a charming Riesling,” says Toni Bodenstein with a wink. Klaus is Prager’s most assertive and robust Riesling.
Food Pairing
Riesling’s high acidity makes it one of the most versatile wines at the table. Riesling can be used to cut the fattiness of foods such as pork or sausages and can tame some saltiness. Conversely, it can highlight foods such as fish or vegetables in the same way a squeeze of lemon or a vinaigrette might.
Review:
Superbly cool, restrained and refined, this austere, beautiful dry riesling is a slow-burn masterpiece that's only just beginning to reveal its complex white-peach, white-tea, wild-herb and dark-berry character. Super-long and mineral finish. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 97 Points
Thorn Clarke Shotfire Shiraz is made from 100% Shiraz.
Striking deep red-purple in color. A rich, voluptuous wine with aromas of blackcurrant and mulberries accompanied by notes of smokey oak and hints of cloves. The palate is filled with dark fruits and chocolate backed up by taut tannins and lingering oak.
Story:
When the Clarke forebearers discovered gold in 1870 at the Lady Alice mine in the Barossa goldfields, so began a family dynasty intrigued by geology. A fine legacy that is reflected today in the terroir of our vineyards. The Shotfire range immortalizes the Shotfirer's hazardous job of setting and lighting the charges in the mines.
Fran shares his story on how he discovered Thorn-Clarke:
"It was October 2001 and I was searching for and sourcing for Australian wines, as it was clear that Australia was going to become the "next big thing." After tasting about 100 assorted wines, I decided I liked the style of Barossa, Shiraz best - chocolate, cherries, mint and eucalyptus - so I started focusing on Barossa growers (years later, Barossa Shiraz would develop its reputation as the Icon Shiraz for Australia).
Late on a Thursday afternoon, the carrier delivered a beat-up box of 12 bottles from Australia, 10 of which were leaking. The box was from a guy named Steve Machin, who had just left Hardy's and was beginning work with the Clarke family on setting up a possible new brand. The samples were sticky and messy, but I popped the corks anyway ..... and I was glad that I did. The wine inside tasted like Christmas - mint, eucalyptus, camphor, and evergreen aromas. Great acidity, color, flavor and length of finish - very tasty. These samples were so good and so exciting, especially compared to what I had tasted prior, that I immediately called the number on the card. I didn't realize that it was a Perth number (Western Australia) and it was actually 3:00 in the morning. It turned out I was calling the residence of David and Cheryl Clarke, where a sleepy Cheryl answered the phone. I told her, you don't know who I am, but we are going to be doing business together very soon, and lots of it! After a few months of talking, faxing (yes, faxing) and sorting out the details, I began importing their wines.
That super-star wine from the busted box of samples is the wine we know today as Shotfire Shiraz. It was originally called Stone Jar, but fortunately we came up with a better name. Many years and vintages later, I'm still glad to be importing Shotfire Shiraz and other Thorn-Clarke selections .... and I'm still glad that Cheryl Clarke woke up for that phone call."
©2025 Timeless Wines. All rights reserved
