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Mondeuse Blanche

From Vinopedia

Mondeuse Blanche (pronounced [mɔ̃.døz blɑ̃ʃ]; French for “white Mondeuse”) is a rare white grape variety from the Savoie region of eastern France, primarily cultivated for wine production.[1] Ampelographic and DNA profiling studies have identified it as one of the two parents of the red grape Syrah, the other being Dureza.[2] Although historically more widespread, its cultivation has declined sharply and is now limited to a small number of vineyard parcels, where it is valued for its aromatic potential and contribution to traditional Savoie blends.[3]

History

Mondeuse Blanche is believed to have been cultivated in the Alpine foothills of Savoie for centuries, although historical documentation of the variety is scarce.[4] Its name suggests a relationship with the red variety Mondeuse Noire, yet DNA profiling has confirmed that the two are not closely related.[5] In 1998, genetic research revealed that Mondeuse Blanche is the maternal parent of Syrah, crossed with Dureza in south-eastern France, most likely in the northern Rhône area.[6] The grape was historically more widely planted in Savoie and parts of the Isère and Drôme departments, but phylloxera and changing market preferences led to its near extinction.

Characteristics

Mondeuse Blanche is a white Vitis vinifera variety producing small to medium-sized berries with thin skins and high natural acidity.[7] The grapes typically yield wines with subtle floral aromas, fresh citrus notes, and occasional hints of stone fruit. In cooler vintages or sites, the acidity can be pronounced, giving the wines a crisp and linear profile. The variety buds early and ripens late, making it susceptible to frost damage in spring and requiring favourable autumn weather to reach full maturity.[8] Its naturally moderate sugar levels result in wines with relatively low to moderate alcohol when vinified dry.

Geography

Mondeuse Blanche is indigenous to the Savoie region in eastern France, where it has historically been cultivated on the lower slopes of the Alps.[9] Today, plantings are rare and mostly confined to small vineyard parcels in the départements of Savoie and Isère. The variety is authorised for use in certain regional appellations, often in blends, though it is occasionally bottled as a varietal wine by specialist producers. Outside France, commercial cultivation is virtually non-existent, and it is considered an endangered grape variety.[10]

Production

Mondeuse Blanche is typically used in small quantities in blends to contribute acidity, aromatic lift, and structural balance.[11] When vinified as a varietal wine, it is usually produced in a dry style, with fermentation in stainless steel to preserve its delicate floral aromas and fresh fruit character. Owing to its naturally high acidity, the grape is sometimes used to enhance the ageing potential of white blends, particularly in mountain and alpine appellations.[12]

Key Figures

Although rarely bottled as a single-varietal wine, Mondeuse Blanche has been maintained by a small number of producers in Savoie who value its historic and genetic importance.[13] Research into the grape's heritage, particularly its role as a parent of Syrah, has been significantly advanced by geneticists such as Carole Meredith and Jean-Michel Boursiquot.[14]

Development

The survival of Mondeuse Blanche has been a point of concern for ampelographers, given its low planting numbers and limited commercial presence.[15] Its genetic link to Syrah has sparked renewed academic interest, with some advocating for its preservation as a genetic resource and part of France's viticultural heritage.[16]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Mondeuse Blanche – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr. (French original)
  2. ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
  3. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  4. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  5. ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Blanche”, vivc.de. (English original)
  6. ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
  7. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  8. ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Mondeuse Blanche – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr. (French original)
  9. ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Blanche”, vivc.de. (English original)
  10. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  11. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  12. ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Mondeuse Blanche – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr. (French original)
  13. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  14. ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
  15. ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Blanche”, vivc.de.
  16. ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
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