General information
Calardis Blanc is a variety bred in 1993, resulting from a cross between Calardis Musqué and Seyve Villard 39-639. The grape was bred at the Institute for Vine Breeding in Geilweilerhof, Siebeldingen, and has been included in the official variety list since 2020.

Grape
The grapes are medium-sized, have shoulders, and loose berries. The color of the berries in the sun is reminiscent of Muscat grapes, while in the shade, the berries remain yellow-green even when ripe.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): +++
• Oidium (powdery mildew): ++
• Botrytis (gray mold): +++

Wine
The wine from this variety is full-bodied and fruity with a delicately spicy bouquet. You'll taste notes of blood orange, passion fruit, and apple. Thanks to its crisp acidity, Calardis Blanc is also suitable as a base for sparkling wine.

Cultivation advice
Calardis Blanc grows best in moderate to good locations protected from late frost, due to its early bud formation. Its growth and appearance are similar to Riesling. It ripens in the same period as Pinot Blanc.

Preparing the vine
This vine grows upright. The variety exhibits little thorniness and has a slight tendency to double shoots. The yield is above average, so a reduction in yield is recommended.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up the moisture before planting. Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters