White Ugni Blanc, also known as Trebbiano, is a Eurasian grape variety and one of the three renowned types used for brandy production in France. Introduced to China in 1982, and subsequently brought from Germany and France in the 1980s, it is now cultivated in areas such as Beijing, Hebei, Shandong, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang.
According to Chinese dictionaries, "玉" (jade) refers to a subtle, translucent luster, while "霓" (a rainbow) describes the colors of an arching rainbow that can be white, green, or red. These characters capture the grape's appearance, with a color that shifts between translucent yellow-green and pinkish hues, imbuing the grape with elegance and purity. This variety was introduced to France in the 14th century, potentially via southern ports such as Marseille and Bordeaux, or through the papal move to Avignon. In 1832, it was brought to the Southern Hemisphere, particularly to Australia. It reached China later, in 1892, when the Changyu Wine Company brought it to Yantai, Shandong from Western Europe. Post-1949, the new China saw multiple reintroductions of the grape from Bulgaria, Germany, and France.
Koya Brandy – China’s XO for the World
The standout feature of Ugni Blanc is its suitability for brandy production. Premium brandy base wine must meet three criteria: high acidity, low alcohol content, and subtle aroma. Ugni Blanc fits these requirements perfectly with its low alcohol content, fresh profile, subtle and non-persistent fruit aroma, and natural high acidity, which adds richness and smoothness to the body. In France, most Ugni Blanc wines are distilled into brandy. In the northern Cognac region, it is known for producing high-acidity, low-alcohol wines ideal for distillation, resulting in exceptional brandy.
Koya Winery boasts vast vineyards of Ugni Blanc grapes, benefiting from the unique terroir of the 37th parallel north’s golden coastline and the high-calcium, microelement-rich sandy loam soil. These natural advantages infuse Ugni Blanc with rich nutrients and unique flavor profiles, giving Koya Brandy its distinct, oriental character.
Sunset Glows and Golden Peaks
Koya Brandy possesses over 400-500 aromatic compounds, derived from the grape itself, oak, and aging processes. These complex aromatic elements endow brandy with its signature flavor profile and great versatility, harmonizing with any food pairing. Consuming brandy in social settings leaves no unpleasant "alcohol breath," but rather a distinctive fragrance characteristic of brandy, earning it the moniker "the perfume of successful men" and being recognized as the "most social drink." This unique quality is deeply linked to Ugni Blanc, making it the soul of Koya Brandy.