The red grape variety originates from France or Germany. Synonyms are Céear, Céelar, Célar, César Noir, Gros Monsieur, Gros Noir, Picarniol, Picarniot, Picarniau, Picorneau, Romain, Romano, Ronçain and Römer. It should not be confused with the Italian variety Lambrusca di Alessandria, despite morphological similarities. According to legend, Roman legionaries of Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) brought it to the area of the Yonne river in Burgundy, France, around 50 BC, where it was cultivated by the Celts (Gauls). However, this origin is extremely uncertain. In Germany (described in 1617) and Austria (described around 1820) a variety called Römer (Black Roman) was present, but has long since disappeared from vineyards. In Hungary, a similar vine called Purcsin (Blue Roman) was/is cultivated.
According to DNA analyses last carried out in 2018, César is a presumably natural cross between Pinot x Argant (Goosefoot). The vine is susceptible to frost and both types of mildew. It produces colour-intensive, tannin-rich and storable red wines, which are mostly blended with Pinot Noir. The variety is grown on 11 hectares in the Burgundian department of Yonne ( Irancy appellation). However, the variety called Roublot with the synonym César Blanc, which is also found there, is a cross between Pinot x Gouais Blanc (Heunisch). There is a small stand of 4 hectares in the Maipo area in Chile. In 2016, a total of 15 hectares of vines 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)
