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Mondeuse Noire

From Vinopedia

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[1]. Modern genetic research has confirmed that Mondeuse Noire is a progenitor of the red variety Syrah, through a natural cross with Dureza[2]. 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, where producers value its distinctive peppery and floral profile[3].

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[4]. 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[5]. 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[6]. 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[7]. 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[8]. 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[9]. 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[10]. 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[11]. 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[12]. 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 tannins, both of which contribute to its ageing potential[13]. 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[14]. In historical viticultural records of eastern France, it is often mentioned alongside other indigenous varieties, contributing to the preservation of local genetic diversity[15]. 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[16].

Discussion

Interest in Mondeuse Noire has grown in recent decades as part of a wider revival of heritage grape varieties in France and beyond[17]. 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[18]. 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[19].

See also

References

  1. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  2. ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., "Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes", Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
  3. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  4. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  5. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  6. ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), "Mondeuse Noire – Cépage", inao.gouv.fr.
  7. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  8. ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
  9. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  10. ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Mondeuse Noire – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr. (French original)
  11. ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Noire”, vivc.de.
  12. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  13. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  14. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
  15. ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Noire”, vivc.de.
  16. ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Mondeuse Noire – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr.
  17. ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
  18. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
  19. ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Mondeuse Noire”, vivc.de.
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