GRAPES ENCYCLOPEDIA Aligoté Aligoté is an old Burgundy grape variety that has different names depending on the region in which it is grown: Griset blanc in Beaune, Giboudot blanc in Chalon or Troyen blanc in the Aube. This grape is mainly used to produce Burgundy-Aligoté, Bouzeron and Crémant de Bourgogne. Aligoté is a medium size white grape, quite productive, which gives clear white wines with some acidity, fresh and light. 1 600 hectares in Burgundy - France, it is also cultivated in Ukraine, Romania, California, Canada or Chile representing more than 20 000 hectares in the world. Cabernet Franc Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties of Bordeaux mostly growing in Libourne terroir. Due to their geographical and geological situation, the terroirs of Saint Emilion and Fronsac allow this grape to mature and develop its finest aromas. Cabernet Franc produces a wine of medium coloration with fine tannins, subtle aromas of red fruits and spicy notes. Blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it develops more complexe aromas. Fruity wines when drunk young they can also age well. As Cabernet Franc mature earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, this grape is planted further north up to the Loire Valley. In Anjou Valley, this grape makes soft rosé wines. Cabernet France is found in more than 20 countries around the world. Cabernet-Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon is a flagship grape of Bordeaux, a great red grape as per its growing area (the second most planted grape) and as per its quality. This grape variety is used for producing the most great wines of the left bank, the Cabernet Sauvignon gives its full expression in Médoc wine, excelling in Pauillac and in Graves wine. Growing in warm soils, sandy gravel that allows the fruit to mature at its best. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are small with a thick skin. This film protects it from spring frosts and from rotting before harvest. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine power, structure and complexity that will turn after several years of aging. With a rich aroma with notes of black fruit, violets and raspberries, it produced distinguished wines, known for their long lasting in the mouth.
Carignan Mainly grown in Languedoc, Carignan is originally from Spain. Vigorous plant with strong branches often called hardwood, the variety produces large and compact fruit clusters. As for its berries, they have a spherical shape and take on a bluish black color. Its budding takes place mid-june with a rather late maturity between September 25 and October 25 depending on the area. It requires a lot of heat and is not sensitive to drought or wind; hot, dry hillside soils suit him perfectly. The carignan plant can live over 100 years. This wine produced is well colored, generous and powerful at once. Pepper, cherry, blackberry, banana, raspberry, almond, plum and violet are all flavors that emerges this grape. Used to produce Côtes du Rhône reds and rosés (maximum 30% of the grape varieties), Côtes du Rhône Villages reds and rosés (maximum 20% of the blend), Costières de Nîmes, Luberon, Cotes du Ventoux. Chardonnay Chardonnay is a white grape from Burgundy. It is produced well beyond its home region and enjoys worldwide fame. Chablis one of the best variety representation, it is also used in Burgundy Cru, produced in Champagne and other French wine regions. His golden grape gives great white wines with varied aromas with notes of citrus, dried fruit or brioche. According to its origin of production and winemaking, these are wines that can be kept a few years. Cinsault Cinsault is an old black grape producing white juice, probably from Provence originally. Found mostly in Languedoc and Rhone Valley, its fruits clusters are large, made of big grapes with a very juicy flesh. It is a late variety that needs sun and resistant to drought with a good productivity but is susceptible to disease. It prefers poor soils for quality production. The wines are easy to drink, usually very low acid, low in color and alcohol, developing red fruits aromas such as raspberry, dried fruit and white flowers. Cinsault is used for producing Chateauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes de Provence.
Clairette Clairette is one of the oldest Southern varietals. Its cylindrical-conical fruit clusters have an average size. Its elliptical berries are either white or pink with is a very juicy flesh. Clairette grows on nearly 3 200ha. on calcareous soils, dry and poor. The grape worms, mites and mildew are the main enemies. It can be vinified alone as it can be associated with other grape varieties. This variety gives a very fresh wine alcoholic and slightly acidic. It provides a slightly bitter taste on the finish. Fennel, apple, lime, apricot and peach are the main aromas developed by this grape. Because this wine is maderized quickly, it is recommended to drink in the year. Côt The côt traveled a lot! In the Middle Ages it was indeed grown in the Yonne. In Bordeaux, he went into the development of claret wine and it is found today in Loire Valley it between more than in the AOC Touraine and Anjou rosé. It has different names: Malbec in Bordeaux or Auxerrois in Cahors, in the vineyards of Quercy where it flourishes. This ancient red grape has medium sized berries with melting flesh, sweet and juicy. Very sensitive to frost, disease and temperature changes, it is very productive if it is preserved and reaches a good maturity. The côt is used for the production of Médoc, Graves, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Bergerac, Pécharmant, Buzet, Malepère Marcillac... Wines made from this variety are fruity, tannic with a good ageing potential. Cultivated on an area of 5 000 hectares in France, the côt is also present in Argentina and Chile. Colombard One of the oldest varieties of Charentes, this golden white grape is the result of a cross between Chenin and Gouais. Its medium sized elliptical berries change color to maturity ranging from a greenish white to a golden yellow. The Colombard grape is sensible to leafhoppers, grape worms, mites, mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis. It is also sensitive to water stress but is very sensitive to wind. His maturity is second late period. This grape produces full-bodied white fine wine, with citrus, nectarine aromas, with boxwood and exotic fruits notes. Colombard wine is less harsh and more alcoholic than the Folle Blanche. Been marginalized in the production of brandy (Cognac & Armagnac) for twenty years, Colombard grape is oriented towards the production of dry country wines and very aromatic as Côtes de Gascogne and Charentes wine (Pineau des Charentes).
Folle Blanche Folle Blanche is a white grape. Originally from the west of France, it was used in the preparation of brandies of Cognac and Armagnac from the 17th century and was known for its finesse and fragrant nose. Replaced by the Ugni Blanc following the invasion of phylloxera, Folle Blanche is now grown in small quantities. The vine carries clusters with juicy white / green skin berries, medium sweet. Its worst enemy is gray mold. As it is an early variety and buds out early, it particularly dreads spring frosts. Folle Blanche likes short pruning that limits the production of grapes but increases quality. It also prefers soils rich in minerals. The area of the vineyard is 3 000 hectares, it is used in the production of AOC Gros plant du Pays Nantais, Pineau des Charentes wines to give a lively white wine with little alcohol but with marked acidity. Gamay Gamay is a Burgundy grape variety that has existed since the 14th century. Competing with pinot noir from Burgundy, Gamay was finally planted in Beaujolais, Macon up to Lyons. Growing in siliceous and granitic soils, it is now days planted in different regions of France, in Lorraine, the Loire Valley, Savoy, Auvergne. The Gamay is a black grape with white juice with medium size berries. Gamay grapes mature early and are very productive. The short prunning in winter and the high yeald per hectare enable to produce red wines fruity, fresh and delicious. Acclaimed Primeur red wine, gamay produces wines of Beaujolais as well as Crémant de Bourgogne, Macon, Anjou, Touraine, Loire Rosé, Côtes d'auvergne, Saint-Pourçain, Bugey, Gaillac, Côtes du Luberon wines. Today, about 36 000 hectares of Gamay are grown in France, including 22 000 hectares in Beaujolais only. Grenache Blanc The Grenache Blanc is a medieval grape from Spain originally. It was called "garnache wine" means wine of Granada. Today, the grape mainly grows in southern France region close by its cousin the Grenache Noir, but its production has decreased every year to reach 10 000 hectares today. The Grenache fruit clusters are rather large and very juicy with sweet berries of medium sized. The White Grenache is resistant to drought and is particularly fond of dry soil gravel or pebbles. Its production is important if it is prune short. Thus, it produces white wines full-bodied and opulent with a low acidity. This softness enables the development of natural wines, a nice roundness and long finish like Rasteau, Maury, Rivesaltes and Banyuls. It is found as well in the appellation of Châteauneuf-du- Pape, Lirac and Coteaux-Varois.
Grenache Noir The Grenache is a Spanish grape variety imported from the Middle Ages in Languedoc, the Rhone Valley and Provence. It is now one of the most cultivated varieties in the world after Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Coming from the same family as Grenache Blanc, Grenache Noir has the same characteristics. Planted on dry and stony, it is very productive, and its grape provided plenty berries giving a sweet juice. Single or assembled to Mourvèdre, Syrah or Carignan, it produces the best red wines and rosés from South France area. Its wine is rather high in alcohol and low acidity with very expressive aromas of black fruits such as prunes or figs with cocoa, coffee and spice notes. Used as main grape for producing Cotes du Rhone, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence wines. In France, Grenache represents over 100 000 hectares of vineyards. It also grows in Spain, Italy, California, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and Australia. Malbec Malbec is a high yield grape variety producing a tannic and deep colored wine. It is produced in different regions and it changes its name depending where it grows Auxerrois in Cahors, Malbec in Bordeaux, where it is also known as the Côt. Malbec grape in France covers 6000 hectares (in decline since the 1950s). Malbec has also a great success and potential in Argentina, becoming the largest producer of Malbec wine. Marsanne Marsanne is a white grape originally from in Montelimar-Drôme in France. About 700 hectares of Marsanne are found in southern French regions as Savoie, Languedoc-Roussillon or Ardèche, where it gives outstanding sparkling wines. Called Grosse Roussette or Abondance in some areas, Marsanne grape is very productive. Growing in the warm and sunny climate of the Rhone Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence on the stony and dry soils that are the ideal conditions for its development. Its grapes are large and provided small juicy berries susceptible to botrytis (grey mould) and strong winds. Assembled with Roussanne, these two varieties complementing each other, give light wines with little acidity, with aromas of yellow fruits, white fruits and flowers with notes of honey and licorice. Marsanne is used in producing Cotes du Rhone, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Corbières... Merlot Merlot is a red grape with small black berries dating from the late 18th century. This grape is produced mostly the Bordeaux vineyards, where it represents 58% of planted area. Its terroir is located in Pomerol and Saint-Emilion on fresh soil, clay and limestone. The legendary Chateau Petrus wine is made with 95% Merlot. Dark and dense color, with aromas of red and black fruits and a superb aromatic palette, merlot
changes during aging, giving way to notes of plums, undergrowth, and spice. The palate is supple with distinguished tannins. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Mourvèdre Originally Mourvèdre is a Spanish variety. Arrived in France during the sixteenth century, it s grown on just under 10 000ha including Languedoc-Roussillon, in the Rhone Valley and Provence. Blended with other varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault to bring more complexity to the wines. Delicate, the fertility of the Mourvèdre is quite irregular and performance must be small so that its stem does not run out quickly. Mourvèdre grows best in a mild climate with ample sunshine, on irrigated soil as well as claylimestone soils. Wines made with Mourvedre are very expressive, ample, tannic with rich aromas, low in acidity. Muscadelle: Muscadelle is a Bordeaux traditional white grape. This is a fragile variety, susceptible to disease. Blended with Semillon and Sauvignon to produce sweet wines, it is also used for the production of dry white wines, such as the dry Bergerac. Muscadelle, when healthy and mature, brings the wine a character intensely floral with aromas of honeysuckle, acacia. Muscadelle is difficult to grow, so it has a limited production. Blended in small proportions in Barsac and Sauternes, winemakers of Bordeaux Graves appreciate the nuances of exotic fruits brought by the Muscadelle to their white wine. Muscat de Hambourg: The exact origin of Muscat de Hamburg remains unclear, a cross between Frakenthal and Muscat of Alexandria seems likely. This red grape is very popular from the US to France via England where it is grown in the greenhouse, it is several thousand hectares that grow worldwide. In France, it is in the Vaucluse region that the grape grows the most. The plant is known by its semi-weeping or completely horizontal growth. Grapes of Muscat de Hambourg have fair size berries. Moderately compact, the fruit will be protected from the winter frost to enjoy later qualities of berries. They deliver a pulp pleasantly musky flavor and juicy. The wine from this grape keeps well. Petit Verdot The Petit Verdot is a historic red grape of Bordeaux, only planted in the Médoc for a long time, it is now planted in the Graves area. Petit Verdot is a late ripen grape, that gives the wine an intense color, rich tannins, and powerful aroma of violet. Often found with the most reknown blend wine such as Château Lafite Rothschild. Resistant to the mould, Petit Verdot is always harvested last, to perfect the most difficult assemblies. Its culture today is in decline and represents only a few hundred hectares but
it still used in the blend of Medoc Grand Cru. Pinot Noir Pinot noir is an important red grape in Burgundy and Champagne, whose reputation is not anymore to do! Great wines such as Domaine Romanée Conti that develops their wines from this famous grape, that makes it a great variety. Well vinified, Pinot noit produces red wines of great finesse, with extensive aromatic palette depending of its maturity (fruits, undergrowth, leather). Pinot noir is also grown in Alsace, Loire Valley (Sancerre Rouge, Reuilly) Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhone Valley, Provence and grows beyond our borders in Oregon (USA), Australia and New Zealand. Rolle (also known as Vermentino) Rolle is a white grape of Turkish origin that has grown in the South of France particularly in the Var, in Corsica as the Vermentinu, and Italy. Its grapes have medium size berries that are turning from white to pink when ripe. Rolle likes warm climates where soils are dry and poor. However, it fears the wind and diseases. It gives rich white wine, well balanced. This wine may lack in acidity, but it is very aromatic and develops notes of grapefruit, white fruit, white flowers, fennel. Rolle is also a good fruit to eat as such, both fresh or dry. Used in the production of many wines as Ajaccio, Patrimonio, Bandol, Coteaux d'aix-en-provence, Côtes de Provence, Costières de Nîmes, Corbières, Collioure, Côtes de Roussillon, Minervois, Saint-Chinian. Roussanne Roussanne is a white grape, planted on an area of over 700 ha. Originally from Montelimar, it also occurs in Savoie, Languedoc and Roussillon. It grows well on calcareous soil, thin and stony. Roussanne is also called Fromenteau, Barbin or Bergeron. Young leaves are blistered with fine duvets thickening as they age. Budding takes place in June with the maturity by mid-september, this variety carries cylindrical grapes, rather small berries that become red when ripe. The wine from Roussanne is of extraordinary quality. It exudes a delicate aroma of coffee, honeysuckle, iris and peony. The taste of this wine improves with age. Roussanne grape wine is found in Savoie wines, Côtes-du-Rhône or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Sauvignon Sauvignon is a great white grape, very present in the Loire Valley, the Côtes-de-Duras, Provence, Languedoc and Bordeaux. It is also produced over the world as in New Zealand. Low productivity, it is often blended with other grapes. In Bordeaux, it is associated with Semillon, to give dry and sweet white wines. Sauvignon vineyards grow on limestone soil. Just by itself, it ensures the reputation of Sancerre, Pouilly and Quincy wines. It is prized for its structure, its freshness and minerality. According to the production region, Sauvignon develops different aromas of white fruits, cassis, flinty.
Sémillon Semillon is a white grape, growing mainly in the Bordeaux region and in the Southwest. This is the grape of Sauternes wines and it is in through this appellation that Semillon reveals its best quality. Blended with Sauvignon, it produces great dry and sweet wines. Semillon is a very productive variety. Its berries have a thin skin that allows the noble mold to develop into sweet white wines. It brings the richness and roundness to the wine, with hazelnut, flowers of acacia, honey aromas that contribute largely to its reputation. Semillon has exceeded our borders as it is now also planted in Australia, California and South Africa. Syrah No one agree where come from Syrah, this black grape that is found today in the Rhône Valley, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon and French South-Western wines. Some possible origin from Sicily, Persia or Syria Tests have finally revealed that it would be native to the northern Côtes du Rhône! Syrah is a fragile grape, which fears the drought and is susceptible to disease. Its long branches are enough resistant to the mistral (strong southern wind), which is why they are often tied or pruned short. Growing on rich soil, the beautiful bluish black grapes of medium size berries produce a sweet and spicy juice. The red wine is red to deep ruby, with complex of black fruits, spicy, floral. A good balance of acidity complemented with well-structured tannins, the Syrah wines possess a high degree of alcohol. Syrah rosé wines are fruity, pleasant with a beautiful finesse. Syrah grape is used for producing Côte Rôtie, Hermitage as well as Côtes-du-Rhône, St. Joseph and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Corbières, Cotes du Roussillon, in Fronton. It grows also It grows in Italy, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Mexico. Tibouren The Tibouren grows on the banks of the Mediterranean sea, and it is renowned for its nobility. The origin of Tibouren is still unclear. Some argue that it was the Romans who discovered in Asia Minor then introduced in Europe. The Tibouren has large conical grapes more or less compact with long and strong stalks. The berries are medium size and spherical but some can be oval, very juicy with a bluish black color skin. The Tibouren is characterized among other things by an early bud break. To be productive, the Tibouren is pruned short and prefers to grow on acid soil. The grape is insensitive to fungal diseases except mildew. It must however be careful to anthracnose, mites, millerandage and Esca. The Tibouren gives a bouquet wine, heady and highly alcoholic. It is used for production of Côtes de Provence.
Ugni Blanc or Trebbiano The Ugni Blanc is an Italian grape cultivated since the Middle Age. Traced in France in the 14 th century in Avignon to the Cour des Papes. Mainly grown in the soils of southern France including Cognac, Languedoc, Provence and Corsica. The buds of Ugni Blanc are relatively late, so the variety is resistant to spring frosts but subject to the winter ones and to powdery mildew and to gray mold. This variety has a high yield in that it provides between 100 and 150 hl / ha. The Ugni Blanc gives a pale yellow wine, dry and acid that can be kept without sulfur dioxide. The grape is used for the elaboration of many white dry wines, including those from Italy. The Ugni Blanc brings a touch of freshness and finesse to the wines although it is poor in aromas. It is a perfect grape for distillation. Vermentino Vermentino grape was widespread in Italy, Sardinia and Corsica. Today Vermentino culture is in areas bordering the Mediterranean, mainly in Provence (Côtes de Provence, Bellet), Corsica (Calvi), Languedoc (Côtes du Roussillon Costières de Nîmes) and Rhone (Côtes du Luberon). Since Vermentino matures late, its development requires a warm climate and sunny regions. Vermentino is only susceptible to oïdium (powdery mildew). When vinified alone, Vermentino gives a dry white wine, light and bold and has a pale yellow color. It can be used in blends with other varieties including with Ugni Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache. Because of its low acidity, it brings lightness and freshness to the wines. It develops aromas of fresh apple note, green almond, sweet spices, hawthorn, ripe pear and fresh pineapple. Vermentino is used for the production of Corsica, Corbières, Cotes de Provence wines. Viognier Viognier is an ancient grape growing in the vineyards of Condrieu and Ampuis. It is extremely used for the production of single varietal wines in the south of France. It is found in the production of Condrieu, Château Grillet and Côte Rôtie. However, it cannot exceed 20% of the blend and blended with Syrah and in Côtes du Rhône. Viognier grows in the United States in the states of Virginia, California and Georgia. It is also found in many Portuguese wine regions. Finally, this variety is very popular in Australia as it represents 70% of white grape vineyards. Viognier gives a white wine of excellent quality and of great finesse. Very fragrant, the wine is extraordinarily rich and supple, if not smooth. Viognier wine does not support oxidation. It develops a palette of aromas from honeysuckle, lime, apricot, wax, tree, quince, almond blossom, spices, dried fruit, hawthorn blossom, toasted, iris, ginger bread, mango, tobacco, acacia honey with a touch of musk, mineral, peach, violet and lime.