RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

While it is also called the Arbois, this varietal does not originate from the vineyard of the same name in the Jura department. The Orbois would originate in the Loire Valley, particularly the Touraine or the Loir-et-Cher department.
The bunch is between small and average, with a truncated cone shape and compact. The grape is small, golden white, ovoid or slightly elliptical in shape, juicy and sweet, with a skin bloom ranging from greenish- to golden-white.
Harvested just before full maturity (as is most often the case), thanks to its acidity it contributes to the development of sparkling wines in the region. Once fully mature, its acidity decreases significantly, but it becomes more complex and full-bodied (notes of honey and pineapple).

Historically, it is planted alongside the Chenin Blanc, the prince of Loire Valley varietals. The two varietals complement each other: the first adds sweetness, the second adds structure. During its time of glory, it accounted for up to a quarter of the white vineyards in the Orléanais and the valley of the Cher, but areas are decreasing sharply. According to genetic analyses, the Orbois is a descendant of the Gouais white.

Even though the number of hectares with Orbois is still significant (170 hectares in 2015), numbers are steadily declining, and its recent exclusion (a 2016 decision, effective in 2021) from authorised varietals in the Touraine appellation should alter the curve. The secondary role it is forced to play by the Cheverny appellation (which prefers to talk about international varietals like Chardonnay and Sauvignon, whereas the Orbois has always played a major role in the structure of these wines), and the fact that no appellation truly highlights it, raise fears that in the near future there will be a dramatic reduction in planted areas.
A positive sign against this trend is the attention given by some wine-growers, who exclusively make wine from this varietal (sold under the pedigree of Vin de France). The Orbois is a late varietal, a feature that has long been negative, but which could become an asset in the context of global warming.

(Courtesy of Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/?fwp_arca_settore=wines-and-grape-varietals-en)

Help us populate this website. Whatever verifiable information you could provide re: this varietal or others (story pertaining to the varietal, description, producer, importer etc...) would be appreciated. See Contact page or email please

Aidez-nous à alimenter ce site web. Toute information pertinente concernant les particularités historiques du cépage (l'histoire de cette dénomination, sa description, le producteur et ses importateurs etc.) serait appréciée.  Servez-vous de la page contact ou de l'adresse courriel pour nous faire parvenir vos informations svp.