The grape variety originates from France; the name means "vine with reddish berries". The most important of the approximately 50 synonyms are Barbarons, Barbarossa, Grec Rosé, Grec Rouge, Gros Barbaroux, Hellroter Gänsfüßer, Merveille, Plant du Pauvre, Raisin Monstrueux, Regina Rossa, Rote Hammelshode, Roussée, Rousselet and Uva Barbarossa. It should not be confused with the varieties Grec Rou ge or Rosé du Var (both with synonym Barbaroux) due to synonyms seemingly indicating this. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2009, the assumptions that Italian Barbarossa varieties or the German variety Gänsfüßer are identical have been refuted. The very old variety was first mentioned in 1667 in the Toulon-Provence area under Barbarons, where it used to be widely grown. The medium-maturing, high-yielding vine is susceptible to botrytis and powdery mildew. It yields aromatic red wines with moderate acidity and alcohol content and is also used as table grape. Today, the variety is used in Provence as a blend for rosé and red wines. There, it is permitted in the Cassis and Côtes de Prov ence appellations. In 2016, 29 hectares of vineyards were designated (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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