Verdesse

The white grape variety originates from France. The name is derived from the rich dark green (vert) of the leaves and berries. Synonyms are Bian Ver, Bian Vert, Blanchette, Clairette de Chindrieux, Clairette Précoce, Dongine, Etraire Blanche, Verdasse, Verdèche and Verdesse Musquée. It should not be confused with the Mondeuse Blanche variety (Blanchette, Dongine) due to seemingly indicative synonyms. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is a presumably natural cross between Savagnin (Traminer) x unknown partner. The medium-late ripening vine is susceptible to powdery and downy mildew. It produces high-alcohol, spicy white wines with floral aromas, but without muscat tones, as one might assume from some synonyms. The variety is also used as table grape. It was first mentioned in documents in 1841 in Sassenage in the south-eastern département of Isère in Savoie. Until the 1920s, it was the most common grape variety here. Here, it is permitted in the Vin de Savoie area and occupies just under two hectares. Tiny stocks exist in Italy in the regions of Lombardy, Marche and Molise with a total of 1 hectare. In 2016, only a total of three hectares of vines were reported (Kym Anderson statistics).

Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012

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Verdesse

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