Folle Blanche, or Gros Plant as it is known in the western edge of the Loire valley, originated in Gascony and traveled its way up the Atlantic coast of France, where it was grown primarily for distillation. Naturally high in acidity and with a tendency for high yields, it has been declining in recent years but is preserved as its own AOC of Gros Plant de Nantais. Famille Lieubeau makes a delicious version from 50-year-old vines grown on granite near the village of Clisson. Think of it as the country cousin to the Bel Abord and the perfect way to start a meal along with some oysters and maybe some razor clams and prawns if you’re lucky.
