Bourboulenc is often blended with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne and Marsanne, most notably in white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and can play a minor role in the blend of red Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is used to contribute body and acidity.

On the sunny, stony plateaus of the Mediterranean basin, the vine achieves a high degree of ripeness as well as high alcohol. Bourboulenc is a late ripening variety and tends toward leanness and neutrality, but when picked at optimum maturity it retains high natural acidity.

Bourboulenc is an extremely old grape variety that is thought to have originated in Greece, where it is known as Asprokondoura. It has been spreading through southern France for centuries.