The white grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Altesse de Saint-Chef, Blanc des Ecoutoux, Buisserate, Cherche, Confechien, Coufechien, Cugnete, Cugnette, Cugniette, Jacquère Blanche, Jacquerre, Jaquère, Jacquière, Martin Cot, Martin Cot Blanc, Molette de Montmélian, Plant des Abimes, Plant des Abymes de Myans, Raisin des Abîmes, Redin, Robinet, Roussette, Roussette de Montmelian. It should not be confused with the varieties Altesse, Buisserate Blanc, Molette or Roussette d'Ayze, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is a presumably natural cross between Gouais Blanc x unknown partner. The picture is taken from the work "Ampélographie - Traité général de viticulture" by Victor Vermorel and Pierre Viala.
This medium-late ripening, high-yielding vine is susceptible to black rot and botrytis, but resistant to both types of powdery mildew. It yields fruity-fresh, low-alcohol white wines for quick enjoyment. A first description dates back to 1868 and the variety is widespread in the Savoie region. It is mostly used for blending and is permitted in the Bugey and Vin de Savoie areas. There are also other stocks in the northern Rhône. The area under cultivation in France is 621 hectares with a strong downward trend. In Portugal, it is only grown on 0.3 hectares in the Beiras area. In 2016, a total of 621 hectares of vines were recorded (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
