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'''Mondeuse Noire''' (/mɔ̃.døz nwaʁ/; also known simply as Mondeuse) is a dark-skinned [[Vitis vinifera]] grape variety traditionally associated with the [[Savoie]] wine region in eastern [[France]]. Known for producing deeply coloured, aromatic wines with high acidity and notable tannic structure, it has been cultivated in the [[Alpine foothills]] for centuries<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. Modern genetic research has confirmed that Mondeuse Noire is a progenitor of the red variety [[Syrah]], through a natural cross with [[Dureza]]<ref>Bowers, Boursiquot et al., "Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes", ''Journal of Heredity'', Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.</ref>. Though historically concentrated in Savoie, the grape is now also grown in small quantities in other parts of France and in regions such as [[California]] and [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]], where producers value its distinctive peppery and floral profile<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>.

== History ==
The earliest documented references to Mondeuse Noire date back to the [[Middle Ages]] in the Alpine regions of eastern France, particularly in what is now [[Savoie]]<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. Historical records suggest that the grape was valued for its ability to produce robust wines capable of ageing, even in the relatively cool climate of the Alpine foothills<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. Over time, its cultivation area contracted due to the spread of more commercially favoured varieties and the impact of phylloxera in the late 19th century<ref>Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), "Mondeuse Noire – Cépage", inao.gouv.fr.</ref>. Interest in the variety was revived in the late 20th century, particularly among quality-focused producers seeking to preserve traditional Savoie grape heritage.

== Characteristics ==
Mondeuse Noire produces small, dark-skinned berries with naturally high acidity and moderate to high tannin levels<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. The grape is late ripening, requiring a long growing season to achieve full phenolic maturity, and performs best in well-exposed vineyard sites with good drainage<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>. Wines made from Mondeuse Noire are typically deeply coloured, with an aromatic profile that can include black fruits, violet, pepper, and earthy or gamey notes<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. The variety is also known for its capacity to age, with structure and flavour complexity developing over several years in bottle.

== Geography ==
Mondeuse Noire is most closely associated with the Savoie region in eastern France, where it is authorised for use in several appellations, including [[Vin de Savoie AOC]] and [[Bugey AOC]]<ref>Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Mondeuse Noire – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr. (French original)</ref>. Plantings are concentrated in the départements of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, as well as in parts of Isère. The grape has also found limited success in other regions, including Switzerland, parts of north-eastern Italy, and small experimental vineyards in countries such as the United States and Australia<ref>Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Noire”, vivc.de.</ref>. Its preference for cooler continental climates and its late ripening nature restrict its cultivation to areas with sufficient autumn warmth and sunlight.

== Production ==
Mondeuse Noire is typically cultivated on well-drained, often stony soils, where its naturally vigorous growth can be moderated through [[canopy management]] and [[yield control]]<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. It is a late-ripening variety, requiring extended hang time to develop full [[phenolic ripeness]], which can be challenging in cooler years. The grape is valued for its high levels of natural acidity and firm [[tannin|tannins]], both of which contribute to its ageing potential<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. Vinification often emphasises temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve aromatic intensity, while [[maturation]] may involve [[stainless steel]] or [[neutral oak]] to retain varietal character. In some cases, moderate use of [[barrel ageing]] is employed to soften tannins and add subtle complexity.

== Notable ==
Mondeuse Noire has long been recognised in the Savoie region as a variety capable of producing deeply coloured, aromatic red wines with notable ageing potential<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. In historical viticultural records of eastern France, it is often mentioned alongside other indigenous varieties, contributing to the preservation of local genetic diversity<ref>Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Noire”, vivc.de.</ref>. The grape’s resilience to certain fungal diseases and its adaptation to the Alpine foothill climate have made it an important component in safeguarding traditional wine styles of the region<ref>Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Mondeuse Noire – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr.</ref>.

== Discussion ==
Interest in Mondeuse Noire has grown in recent decades as part of a wider revival of heritage grape varieties in France and beyond<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>. While once considered a variety at risk of decline, its distinct aromatic profile and ability to express [[terroir]] have encouraged renewed plantings in Savoie and experimental sites elsewhere<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. Ongoing discussions in viticulture circles concern its potential to adapt to shifting climatic conditions, with research focusing on its ripening patterns and capacity to retain acidity under warmer growing seasons<ref>Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Noire”, vivc.de.</ref>.

== See also ==
* [[Mondeuse Blanche]]
* [[Syrah]]
* [[Savoie]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Grape varieties]]
[[Category:Wine grapes of France]]
[[Category:Savoie wine]]