The red grape variety originates from France. There are about 80 synonyms that attest to its great age and wide distribution. The most important ones, grouped alphabetically by country, are Refosco (California); Angelique, Argillet, Argilliere, Begeain, Begean, Bon Savoyan, Chétouan, Chétuan, Chintuan, Cintuan, Gascon, Grand Chétuan, Grosse Syrah, Gros Plant, Maldoux, Mandoux, Marsanne Noire, Parcense, Persagne, Petite Persaigne, Plant Maldoux, Plant Médoc, Plant Noir, Rouget, Savouette, Savoyan, Syrah Grosse (France); Tinta do Rodo (Portugal); Gros Rouge (Switzerland). It should not be confused with the Douce Noire, Gascon, Genouillet, Milgranet,...
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena