The red grape variety is a new cross between Grenache Noir (Garnacha Tinta) x Portugais Bleu (Blue Portugieser). The cross was made in France in 1958 by the ampelographer Paul Truel (1924-2014) at the Domaine de Vassal. The breeding goal was a variety similar to Grenache. The early-maturing vine is sensitive to powdery mildew and black spot disease. It produces colourful red wines with soft tannins, which are mainly used as blends. It is cultivated in Languedoc, mainly in the department of Aude, on 234 hectares. In 2016, a total of 256 hectares of vines were declared in France (Kym Anderson). A small stand is also said to exist in the Penedès area of Spain.
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
For my many years of work as an editor with a wine and culinary focus, I always like to inform myself about special questions at Wine lexicon. Spontaneous reading and following links often leads to exciting discoveries in the wide world of wine.
Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien