The red grape variety comes from France. Synonyms are Brunet, Chicaud, Chichaud Noir, Cico, Tsintsào and Tsintsau. The suspicion that it is a clone of the Brun Fourca variety, or closely related or identical to the Cinsaut variety, has not been confirmed by DNA analyses (all three varieties share the synonym Tsintsào). However, the parentage (parenthood) is unknown. The early to medium ripening vine is susceptible to botrytis and downy mildew. The variety used to be widespread in the Département Ardèche in south-eastern France, but is now threatened with extinction. A single producer (Mas de la Salle) in the municipality of Corbès (Gard) in the Languedoc region has created new areas. However, no stocks were identified in 2016 (statistics Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)
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