The red grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Aspiran, Aspiran Chernyi, Aspiran Csornuej, Aspiran Nero, Aspirant, Épiran, Esperan, Espiran, Peyral, Peyrar, Piran, Ribeyrenc, Rivairenc, Rivairenc Noir, Riveirenc, Riveirenc Noir, Riverain, Riveyrenc, Riveyrene, Spiran, Verdai, Verdal and Verdal Noir. It was first mentioned in 1544 under the name Esperan, then in 1676 under the name Espiran, and in the 18th and 19th centuries under the name Aspiran Noir, and the wine made from it was described. The region between Nimes and Montpellier in southern France is assumed to be the origin. The name Rivairenc is probably derived from the occurrence of the vines on river banks (rive de la rivière). The parentage is unknown. The variety was a crossing partner of the two new varieties Aspignan (1 and 2) and Aspiran Bouschet. There are four colour mutations called Aspiran Blanc (Rivairenc Blanc), Aspiran Gris (Rivairenc Gris), Aspiran Rouge Fonce (Rivairenc Rouge) and Aspiran Verdal (Rivairenc Verdal).
According to one hypothesis, there is a relationship with the Vitis narbonnensis spiralis mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79). DNA analyses carried out in 2011 established a parent-offspring relationship with the Cinsaut variety. The medium to late ripening vine is sensitive to frost and susceptible to powdery and downy mildew and botrytis. It produces a slightly reddish, fragrant wine. The variety was widespread in the Languedoc (especially Hérault) until the phylloxera disaster. Today, it is only cultivated in small populations, for example in the Minervois and Saint-Chinian areas. Small populations are also said to exist in Algeria. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Grape and leaf Photo: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
Grape lithograph: By Charles Node-Saint-Ange, Henri Marès 1890, CC0, Link
