The red grape variety originates from France; the name means "early ripeness" in local dialect. Synonyms are Early Burgundy, Early Burgundy(Australia, California); Beaujolais, Black Cluster, Gamay Beaujolais, Gamay de Beaujolais, Gamay du Rhône, Gamay Saint-Laurent, Loubéjac, Malbec Argenté, Noir Hatif, Plant Abouriou, Précoce Naugé, Précoce Noir, Pressac de Bourgogne(France). Although it appears to have synonyms or morphological similarities, it should not be confused with Cot (Malbec, Pressac), Gamay or Noir Hatif de Marseille. DNA analyses carried out in 2009 revealed a parent-offspring relationship with Magdeleine Noire des Charentes (also parent of Merlot and Cot). The variety Abouriou was a cross-breeding partner of the new varieties Ederena, Egiodola, Hron, Nitranka, Rimava and Váh.
The early-ripening, high-yielding vine is generally resistant to fungal diseases. It produces deep dark red wines with fruity berry aromas. Until the middle of the 19th century, the variety was widespread, especially in the Lot-et-Garonne department in southwest France. The almost extinct vine was reactivated by a breeder called Numa Naugé, which is why one of the synonyms is named after him. It is authorised in the Côtes du Marmandais and Vins d'Estaing areas, as well as in several Vins de pays. In 2016, 329 hectares of vineyards were designated in France (Kym Anderson statistics). Stocks are also said to exist in Australia and California, where it has often been confused with the Gamay variety.
Source: Kym Anderson: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)
