The red grape variety originates from France. There are about 80 synonyms that attest to its great age and wide distribution. The most important ones, grouped alphabetically by country, are Refosco (California); Angelique, Argillet, Argilliere, Begeain, Begean, Bon Savoyan, Chétouan, Chétuan, Chintuan, Cintuan, Gascon, Grand Chétuan, Grosse Syrah, Gros Plant, Maldoux, Mandoux, Marsanne Noire, Parcense, Persagne, Petite Persaigne, Plant Maldoux, Plant Médoc, Plant Noir, Rouget, Savouette, Savoyan, Syrah Grosse (France); Tinta do Rodo (Portugal); Gros Rouge (Switzerland). It should not be confused with the Douce Noire, Gascon, Genouillet, Milgranet, Persan, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso or Syrah varieties, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to one hypothesis, Mondeuse Noire is a descendant of the Allobrogica described by Pliny the Elder (23-79). However, historical or botanical evidence for this is lacking. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2018, it originated from a presumably natural cross between Mondeuse Blanche x Tressot Noir. The varieties Mornen Noir and Servanin are direct descendants of presumably natural crosses. A colour mutation is Mondeuse Grise. Mondeuse Noire was a crossing partner of the new variety Calzin..
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The medium-maturing vine is sensitive to drought, as well as to chlorosis, mites and both types of powdery mildew. It yields tannic, colourful, high-alcohol red wines with a slightly bitter cherry flavour that have ageing potential. The variety was first mentioned in 1731 under the name Maldoux. It is authorised in the Savoie region in the two areas of Bugey and Vin de Savoie. After a decline in the 1970s, it now again occupies 280 hectares of vineyards in France. Small populations exist in Australia in the Rutherglen area (5 ha), in Italy in the DOC wine Sicilia approved (1 ha) and in Switzerland (2 ha). In California, it was/is erroneously listed under the name Refosco. Here it is often grown together with Syrah. In 2016, a total of 287 hectares of vineyards were designated. Under the name Tinta do Rodo, 3.3 hectares of vineyard area were recorded; it is possibly the same grape variety (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012.
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
