"The Grape Variety Collection"

Winemakers – Nurserymen

Discover 32 grape varieties, from here and elsewhere on

one and the same plot
Anatomy of a vine leaf

Lamina (or leaf blade)

leaf margin teeth

midrib or primary vein

lobe

sinus

petiole
Photo credit : Pierre GALET

Definitions
Lamina: main, flat, enlarged part of the leaf extending from the
petiole; the main site of photosynthesis, respiration,and transpiration.

Lobe: Shallow rounded division of the leaf blade or lamina.

Petiole: narrow part of the leaf joining the lamina to the stem.

Sinus: Gap between two lobes of a leaf.

Vein: Protruding line made of fibres formed from conducting tissue,

through which the sap is transported.

Teeth: serrations at margins of leaf

 Main wine grape varieties
Clairette Mourvèdre
tsaE-htuoS

Grenache blanc Syrah

Muscat Petits Grains Cinsault

Viognier Grenache

Roussanne

Sauvignon Cabernet Franc

tseW-htuoS

Semillon Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Tannat

Chardonnay Pinot
ydnugruB

Gewurtraminer Marselan
ecaslA

ARNI morf
gnideerB

Riesling
Maturation:

late

average

early

very early
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet-Sauvignon is a black grape variety of Bordeaux origin. It is a cross
between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Nowadays it is widespread in
most of the world's vineyards: China, Chile, United States, Australia, Spain,
Argentina, Italy and South Africa. It is, in fact, the second most planted grape
variety in the world. Its international success is partly due to the fame of the
grand cru Bordeaux wines, where it is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet
Franc.

Although it adapts to several types of terroirs, it prefers warm, sandy and gravelly
soils. It ripens slightly before Merlot. Cabernet-Sauvignon is known for being long
in the mouth and produces powerful, structured wines, rich in tannins. However,
on its own, it lacks fullness and roundness. This variety has a great aromatic
richness which gains in complexity with the years.  It is suitable for ageing and
maturing in barrels.

Its most typical aromas are green pepper and violet.  Additional aromas include
ripe blackcurrant, dark chocolate, smoke, morello cherry, blackberry, liquorice,
tobacco, truffles, vanilla. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the grape varieties used in
Médoc, Saint Emilion, Bergerac and Côtes de Provence appellations.

Its grapes are small with a thick skin, which protects it from spring frost and rot
before the harvest. Cabernet Sauvignon has small, cylindrico-conical bunches.
The leaves are dark green, medium sized, strongly lobed, (as if shaped with a
cookie cutter) and they have few teeth which are large and ogival in shape.

"Collection de cépages"
Clairette
Clairette is an old grape variety, native to the South of France. It is typically
southern and possibly been grown since antiquity in Adissan, in the Hérault
region of France, where it was used to produce Clairette d'Adissan, now known as
Clairette du Languedoc.

Clairette is perfectly suited to dry, limestone soils with low fertility. Grape moths,
mites and mildew are its main enemies. It is preferable to prune it hard for better
yields. Its maturity is late.

This grape variety gives a fresh wine with a high alcohol content and low acidity,
with a slight bitter finish. When used in blending it brings finesse and alcoholic
content. Harvested early, Clairette produces very pleasant, lightly aromatic wines.

The juice is sensitive to oxygen, so the wines should be drunk young to avoid
maderization. Clairette is used in particular to make Clairette du Languedoc,
Clairette de Bellegarde and, of course, the famous Clairette de Die which has
made the reputation of the Diois vineyard. This white wine, made from the grape
variety “Muscat à petits grains” (at least 75%) and Clairette, becomes effervescent
through a series of totally natural fermentation phases, the last of which takes
place slowly in the bottle.

Clairette is also part of A.O.Cs Bandol, Châteauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhône,

Ventoux and Vacqueyras.

It has medium sized cylindro-conical bunches of grapes, thick, dark green and
slightly bluish leaves, with small, narrow ogival teeth. The grapes are medium,
ellipsoid, white or pink in colour, and freckled brown. Their flesh is firm and juicy.

"Collection de cépages"
Cinsault
Cinsault is a black grape variety, probably originating from Provence. Nowadays it is
mainly grown in the Rhone Valley and Languedoc. It is no surprise that it comes
from the South of France, since it requires plenty of sunshine, and is relatively late
ripening.

It is reasonably drought-resistant but is vulnerable to numerous pests and diseases:

mildew, powdery mildew, dieback (Eutypa lata), black rot, grey mould, grape moths,
leafhoppers. Cinsault produces big yields, so if you want a quality harvest, it should
be planted on poor and stony soils, on sunny hillsides, and pruned hard; all of which
will reduce yield but increase quality. This variety generally results in wines of low
acidity. If grown on the plains, the yield is high, and the wine produced tends to be
low in alcohol, pale coloured and tends to lack character as well.

On the other hand, when grown on hillsides, the yield drops to average, and it gives
then a supple, fruity and moderately alcoholic wine. Blended with Carignan or
Grenache for example, it brings finesse. It also lends itself very well to the creation
of classic rosés and “saignée” rosés.

Cinsault has aromas of red fruits, dried fruits and white flowers such as raspberry,
almond, hazelnut and linden flower.  It is one of the constituents of many
southern A.O.C. wines: Châteauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes de Provence,
Coteaux du Languedoc, Costières de Nimes, Tavel.

Cinsault has large, fairly compact, cylindro-conical bunches. Its leaves are medium
sized with angular teeth. It has large, delicious juicy berries with firm skin. This is
the reason why it also has the name "oeillade" (a knowing glace or wink), when it is
produced for use as a table grape.

"Collection de cépages"
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white grape variety native to Burgundy. It is cultivated far beyond its
region of origin and enjoys an international reputation. It is grown not only in Europe
but also in many vineyards of the new world. The best soils for this grape variety are
moderately fertile soils, predominantly calcareous or marl (a clay/limestone mix). Its
main diseases are powdery mildew and Grey rot.

It owes its reputation for quality to the great wines it produces, and vice versa. It is
the star grape variety of Chablis, but it is used in most Burgundy appellations,
including the most coveted grands crus.

It also owes its success to another internationally renowned region: Champagne. It is

the emblematic grape variety of Côte des Blancs, which is characterized by its delicate
aromas. It brings freshness, finesse and nerve to the assemblies. When it is the sole
grape variety, it is marketed under the name Blanc de Blancs. It gives a wine of great
finesse, well-balanced, powerful, full and possessing a strong aromatic potential.

In the sun-drenched South of France, it needs be harvested early to obtain the best
quality. The balance between alcohol and acidity must be managed to obtain a wine
which is both full and fresh. Chardonnay translates the terroir perfectly, displaying
all its specific qualities.  Our cuvée 100% Chardonnay illustrates this perfectly.

It has an impressive aromatic palette, both floral and fruity: acacia and almond, fresh
butter, brioche, cinnamon, lemon, quince, orange blossom, lily, mango, honey,
hazelnut, candied orange, grapefruit, and rose petal. When Chardonnay is grown on
the terroir of Chablis (Kimmeridgian) made of grey marls and fossil-rich limestone
banks, the wines can develop aromas of flint.  

Chardonnay has small to medium sized cylindrical bunches of grapes. Its leaves are
medium sized with delicate “blisters” and of a bright light green colour. The grapes
are golden, medium sized and have a thin skin.

"Collection de cépages"
Pinot noir
This black variety of Burgundian origin is relatively old; the first written records
mentioning Pinot Noir date back to 1375.  Nowadays, it can be found in Australia,
the United States (Oregon) and Chile.

In France, it is obviously cultivated in Burgundy where it is used in the blending of

the most prestigious Grands Crus (Corton, Romanée Conti, Musigny), as well as in
communal, or village appellations (for example Pommard, Chassagne-Montrachet.).

In the Champagne region, Pinot Noir is present in most blends of the wine of the
same name.  When it is blended with Pinot Meunier, for example, we speak of Blanc
de Noirs Champagne, generally powerful and vinous with notes of red and black
fruits.  

In Alsace, Pinot Noir is grown on the hills with chalk or limestone soils. It is
used for the production of fruity red or rosé wines. It is also present in the
composition of Crémant d'Alsace.

Pinot noir is a capricious grape variety, sensitive to several diseases and insects:
mildew, grey rot, leafhoppers. Because of its early ripening it is sensitive to spring
frosts and prefers continental climates and lime soils. Wines made from Pinot
Noir generally have a brilliant ruby colour which, over the years, becomes
paler and changes to a brick-red colour.  Depending on its maturity, Pinot Noir offers
aromas of fresh red fruits (blackcurrant, cherry, redcurrant) with spicy notes
(pepper, white pepper, cinnamon, spice bread, vanilla etc). As it ages, the
aromas evolve into candied fruits (jam, kirsch) and it develops some undergrowth
and animal notes (mushrooms, moss, truffles, leather, fur).  Pinot Noir wines are
predominantly rounded and the tannins, although evident, are of great finesse. The
acidity varies depending on the vintage.

The bunches of Pinot Noir are small and compact. Its name was inspired by the tight
shape of its bunch, reminiscent of a pine-cone. The adult leaves are dark green in
colour, with 3 or 5 lobes and their teeth are generally short. The grapes are an
intense blue-black or dark purple colour.

"Collection de cépages"
Grenache blanc:
Grenache blanc is of Spanish origin since it is a white mutation of Grenache noir
which originates in Spain. In its country of origin, it is grown in the regions of
Tarragona, Aragon and Navarre. It is also found in Greece and South Africa.

In France it is mainly cultivated in the South.  It forms part of the appellations: Côtes
du Rhône, Vacqueyras, Châteauneuf du Pape, Rasteau, and Ventoux. It is also present
in Roussillon, in the vineyards of Maury, Rivesaltes and Banyuls, where it is used to
produce naturally sweet wines.

In our vineyard, it is used in combination with Viognier in our white Côtes du Rhône,
but also in combination with Roussanne and Marsanne in the two white Vacqueyras
wines, Reflets de l’âme and Castillon. 

This grape variety takes an average time to ripen; it likes dry and stony soils.  Its yield
is enhanced if it is pruned hard.  It is very sensitive to mildew, but more resistant to
powdery mildew and dust mites.  

Grenache blanc is low in polyphenols, its juice is therefore more sensitive to oxidation
and requires careful attention to avoid degradation of aromas and/or colour. It
produces round, full-bodied white wines with a good length in the mouth. Its berries
are relatively sweet, so it has a good alcoholic potential but has low acidity.

Depending on its ripeness, it has fruity aromas, floral or herbaceous aromas: fennel,
dill, melon, white nectarine, citrus fruits, narcissus.

Grenache blanc has large bunches and medium sized berries (yellow-green when
ripe).  Its leaves are cuneate (wedge-shaped), medium sized and are a bright light
green.

"Collection de cépages"
Grenache noir :
This black grape variety of Spanish origin was imported into France as early as the
Middle Ages, to the Rhone Valley, Languedoc and Provence. Today it is one of the
commonest cultivated wine grape varieties in the world, grown in Spain, Italy,
California, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and Australia.  It has the same
characteristics as Grenache blanc.  

It ripens at an average time, it likes dry, stony soils.  Its very sweet berries give it a
good alcoholic potential.  It is often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre forming the
famous "GSM" trio.  This trio has made the reputation of the most prestigious
appellations of the Southern Rhône Valley: Châteauneuf du Pape, Vacqueyras,
and Gigondas.

It produces well-coloured, full-bodied wines rich in tannins.  Where Grenache Noir is

the some variety, its colour tends to oxidize quickly; in order to obtain a wine to lay
down it must be blended with other varieties.  It is also used to make the “saignée
rosé” wines of Tavel which are deeply coloured and vinous.  In the region of
Roussillon it forms part of the cépages used in Banyuls or Maury, which are sweet
dessert wines.

Depending on its ripeness, it develops aromas of cocoa, coffee, blackcurrant, spices,

ripe figs, hay, raspberries, ripe stone fruits (morello cherry, plums), cooked fruits,
dried fruit, smoked pepper, black liquorice, burnt sugar, and old wood.

Grenache noir has medium sized bunches and medium wedge-shaped leaves which
are a light bright green. The compact bunches are rather large. Its bluish-black
grapes are medium sized and slightly ovoid.  The grapes, notably, have an abundant
bloom (a thin waxy and powdery film on the surface of the grape) which protects the
grapes from the effects of the sun by limiting evaporation. Mother Nature knows
best!

"Collection de cépages"
Merlot :
Merlot is a red grape variety originating from the Gironde and more precisely from the
Libournais (the area around the town of Libourne).  It represents more than half of the
planted Bordeaux vines.  Additionally, it has been widely exported and is one of the
most planted grape varieties in the world; planted in Italy, Switzerland, United States
(California), South Africa, Chile and Argentina. The origin of its name comes from the
Occitan “Merlòt”, which means little blackbird, a bird that particularly appreciates its
berries.

This grape variety ripens early and is particularly suited to deep and rich clay-limestone
soils, which retain sufficient moisture during the summer; it is thus perfectly adapted
to the terroir of its origin, especially on the Right Bank of the Gironde. It is quite
sensitive to spring frosts, due to early bud-break.

Merlot has proved its quality, its use has made the reputation of prestigious
appellations, such as Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. It produces wines with silky tannins,
well-coloured and round, fleshy and not very acidic.  It is often combined with
Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Franc to which it brings suppleness and roundness.
However, some areas of the Libournais (Château Petrus, to name the least known) use
it to make a varietal wine (ie as a single grape variety).  It can be drunk young, but its
alcoholic and aromatic concentration allows some grands crus to be aged for over
twenty years before reaching their peak. Depending on its age, Merlot can develop
aromas of cherry, leather, spices, strawberry jam, wild blackberry, game, plum,
liquorice, undergrowth, truffle, violet.

In the South of France, it is used in the blending of certain Vin de Pays; it brings colour
and aroma.  On our estate, it is used in the varietal cuvée Certitude (100% Merlot). It is
deep coloured, with a strong nose (notes of ripe blackcurrant and wild mint).  In the
mouth it is dense and “more-ish”.

The mature leaves of Merlot are dark green and partially redden in the autumn. They
are medium in size and have narrow, angular teeth. The bunches are medium and
cylindrical, the grapes are small to medium, spherical, and blue- black in colour.

"Collection de cépages"
Sauvignon:
This white grape variety is cultivated in many parts of the world (New Zealand,
California, South Africa).  With 110,138 hectares planted worldwide, it is the eighth
most planted grape variety in the world and the third most planted white grape. Its
exact origin is uncertain.

It would seem that it first appeared in the Loire Valley and then in Southwestern
France (Graves wines).

Despite its vigour, it has an average yield and is very sensitive to grey mould and
powdery mildew. Its strong point is its versatility, it tolerates a large number of
soils: from the Loire Valley (Pouilly fumé, Sancerre), Burgundy (Saint-Bris),
Mediterranean (Bandol, Cassis, Coteaux d'Aix), Bordeaux (Sauternes), to the
hottest wine producing countries.

Its wines are characterized by their freshness and herbaceous aromas; however,
these aromas vary according to the soil: cut hay, blackcurrant leaf, boxwood,
sometimes even of flint, citrus or white fruits.

Sauvignon has small compact bunches and golden yellow grapes, with a thick skin
and a slightly musky flavour.  Its leaves are small with ogival teeth.

"Collection de cépages"
Tannat: 
This is a red grape variety grown all over the world (e.g. Uruguay, Italy,
California). In France, it is mainly cultivated in its region of origin (Béarn) located
in the north-west of the French Pyrenees.

Tannat gives deep coloured wines, very tannic and acidic. This makes it possible
to produce quality red wines that are oowerful, full-bodied and suitable for
laying down. 

When young, its aromas are fruity (blackcurrant, blackberry), as it ages it

develops notes of tobacco, game, cinnamon.

Rarely used as a single grape variety, it is, for example, combined with Cabernet
Sauvignon for rounder wines.

Tannat is a vigorous, late ripening and productive grape variety; it likes gravelly
sandy soils.  It forms part of the varieties used in the Béarn, Cahors, Côtes du
Rhône, Côtes du Brulhois, and Madiran appellations. 

Tannat has large bunches, its grapes are small and rounded in shape. Its adult
leaves may be covered with red spots, they are large and have shallow teeth.

"Collection de cépages"
Sémillon:
This white grape variety is cultivated all over the world (South Africa, California,
Australia) but it originates from the South West of France since it is mainly
cultivated in Aquitaine.

It is the emblematic grape variety of Sauternes; blended with Sauvignon, it

produces great dry and sweet wines. It can also be found in blends with Muscadelle
and sometimes with Chardonnay.

Depending on its maturity and the winemaking process, it can develop various
aromas: apricot, roasted almonds, fresh butter, cinnamon, white flowers, candied
fruit, dried fruit, honey. 

It ripens in mid-season.  Usually quite productive, its yield will vary according to the
terroir; it prefers gravelly and clay-limestone soils.

It has a progressive budding pattern, which means it has reserve buds in the case
of late frost, thus ensuring a harvest.  Semillon has medium sized cylindrical
bunches and its leaves, twisted and finely blistered on the surface, have ogival
teeth of medium size. Semillon grapes are medium sized and spherical, golden
white, becoming pinkish when fully ripe.

"Collection de cépages"
Syrah :
Contrary to what its name suggests, Syrah does not come from the city of Shiraz in
Iran, or Syracuse in Sicily.  Its cradle is the Rhone Valley since it is said to be the
result of a cross between two varieties indigenous to Isère and Ardèche. 

In the northern part of the Rhone Valley it has made the reputation of appellations
such as Côte Rôtie, Saint Joseph or Cornas where it is often vinified on its own.
Syrah is the dominant grape variety of Côtes du Rhône wines, and is also used as
part of the blending of many appellations of the southern Rhône valley (Gigondas,
Vacqueyras, Ventoux) because of its aromatic bouquet and its intense colour.

It also spread to Provence (where it is used for the production of fruity rosé wines),
Languedoc-Roussillon and the South-West of France, before leaving to invade the
vineyards of the new world: South Africa, Australia (under the name of Shiraz),
Argentina, Chile, United States. 

Wines made from Syrah have a powerful aroma and are long in the mouth.  This is
due its alcoholic richness, silky tannins and low acidity.  Its tannins tend to become
rounder with ageing, which makes it a wine with potential for laying down. 

Its aromas are known for their notes both fruity (raspberry, red and black fruit,
redcurrant, blueberry and blackberry) and spicy (menthol, truffle, pepper and
liquorice) but also with some floral notes: violet, mignonette.

It is a late ripening grape variety, relatively well adapted to the hot climates of the
Rhone Valley and the New World.

Syrah has long cylindrical bunches of grapes. Its bluish black grapes have thin skin
and are medium in size. The leaves are medium, often wavy and have ogival teeth.

"Collection de cépages"
Gewurztraminer :
Gewürztraminer was selected in the 19th century from a vineyard in Alsace.  It is
a mutation of the Savagnin rose, with more aroma, both being of the "Traminer"
family, from the town of Tramin in South Tyrol (North-East of Italy).  "Gewurtz" is a
German word meaning "spicy".

It is also found in Germany, Austria or the United States.  Along with Riesling, Muscat
and Pinot Gris, it is one of the four authorised grape varieties in the great crus of
Alsace.

It can be harvested late, and in years when climatic conditions allow the
development of “noble rot” the noble grapes can be selectively harvested. 

This vigorous grape variety is susceptible to spring frosts because its buds burst
open very early and rapidly.  It produces higher yields on marl (a clay/limestone mix)
or limestone soils.

Gewürztraminer is very aromatic, and its aroma varies depending on the degree of
ripeness: yellow fruits, exotic fruits, candied fruits, honey, pastries, spices, rose,
lychee.

It is because of this diversity of aromas that at Fontaine du Clos we sometimes use it

in blending in our Vins de Pays: Aura or Certitude rosé.

It is easily identifiable thanks to its small bunches and pink-coloured berries, purplish
when fully ripe.  Its adult leaves are small, three-lobed and have short, ogival teeth.

"Collection de cépages"
Marselan :
This variety is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache noir.  The
French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) created it, near
Marseillan, in the Languedoc region, and registered it, in 1961. This grape variety
has been introduced into the vineyards of the valley of the Rhône, Languedoc,
Switzerland, California and Spain.

A variety with average time to ripeness, it has a clear preference for fresh soil,
deep or irrigated because it is sensitive to lack of water. On the other hand it
resists quite well to winter cold, mites, powdery mildew and grey mould.

Marselan is one of the permitted Côtes du Rhône grape varieties, but it is also
found in many local wines.  At this winery, it is used in combination with Caladoc
in the red Aura cuvée (Vin de Pays Vaucluse).

It produces complex wines with a dark colour and silky tannins. They are
generally round and well-balanced, with a good length in the mouth and and
good cellaring potential.

Marselan can develop aromas of cocoa, blackcurrant, raspberry, blackberry,

plums, redcurrant, ripe fruit and jams, vegetal notes, hints of leather, spices,
kirsch, pepper, olives, liquorice.

Marselan has small or medium sized bunches of cylindro-conical shape, compact

and elongated. The grapes are rounded in shape black to purplish in colour and
have a fairly low juice yield. Its adult leaves are a vivid dark green and have rather
short teeth. The leaf blade is twisted, this prevents the lobes from remaining in
the same plane and gives the leaf a destructured appearance.

"Collection de cépages"
Muscat à petits grains :
This white grape variety cultivated since antiquity is native to Greece. It is present in
many wine-growing regions in the south of France and is used to make natural sweet
wines such as Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de Lunel, Muscat d'Alsace, and Muscat
de Beaumes de Venise.

It's also cultivated outside France, in Italy, Croatia, Germany, and Austria. In our
winery, we have created a varietal dry white wine where the characteristic aromas of
this variety are clearly expressed. It also brings an aromatic supplement to our
Certitude rosé.

Depending on its maturity, it can reveal different aromas: rosewood, lychee, pomelos,
fresh orange juice, exotic fruits, jasmine, lemongrass, verbena.

An early ripening grape variety, it particularly appreciates limestone soils. Due to its
early leaf budding, it is sensitive to spring frosts.

Muscat à petits grains has thick leaves with fine blisters on the leaves and angular
teeth.  Its bunches are generally small to medium sized, cylindrical and long. The
grapes are medium sized and spherical with thick skin of a beautiful amber-yellow
covered with small red freckles when fully mature.

"Collection de cépages"
Riesling :
Riesling is a very old grape variety, dating back to Gallo-Roman times. It is from
Germany, from the banks of the Rhine. Today it is cultivated in Alsace and in Moselle,
but also abroad, in Italy, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, California
and Central Europe...

The Riesling grape variety is also called "Rhine Riesling" or "Gentle Germanic" in Alsace,
and "Little Rhine" in Switzerland.

This grape variety adapts quite well to different types of soil but gives the best of itself
on light, stony (schistose) soils. It survives winter frosts but does not tolerate drought.

In Alsace, Riesling is a noble grape variety, it is one of the 4 grape varieties allowed in
A.O.C Alsace Grand Cru, and produces both dry and sweet white wines. It can be used
for the selection of “noble” grains, high in sugar, during late harvesting.

The wines made from Riesling have great aromatic complexity and moderately acidic,
which gives them the potential to be laid down. Depending on the ripeness of the
grapes when harvested and the soil on which it is grown, it can develop a wide range of
fruity and floral aromas: pineapple, apricot, lemon, candied lemon, honeysuckle,
spices, candied fruit, passion fruit, jasmine, animal notes as it ages, mineral notes
(depending on the soil),yellow peach, grapefruit, roses, linden.

This grape variety is a late ripener.  Its bunches and grapes are small and compact. 
Riesling grapes are spherical and sometimes slightly flattened, yellow-green to golden
in colour with some russet or brown spots when mature.  The adult leaves have
a rounded shape with 5 or 7 lobes and medium teeth.

"Collection de cépages"
Roussanne
Like Marsanne, this white variety is native to Montélimar. It can be found in other
appellations under different names, notably in the wines of Savoy under the
name Bergeron.

A late ripening grape variety, Roussanne grows very well on poor stony limestone
soils, and thrives in hot climates. It is a noble grape variety that produces straw-
yellow wines of a very high quality.

Its aromatic richness and good acidity allow it to be laid down.  When blended
with other white grape varieties, it brings an additional aromas and elegance. Its
aromas are relatively varied: apricot, hawthorn, green coffee, honeysuckle, honey,
salty notes, peony, iris root, linden, pear. 

This grape variety forms part of the appellations: Vin-de-Savoie, Côtes-du-Rhône,

Crozes-Hermitage, Saint Joseph, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Vacqueyras.  You can 
appreciate its taste in our white Vacqueyras to which it brings floral and fruity
notes.

Roussanne has small compact cylindrical bunches, its grapes being small,
compact spherical, golden-white in colour, almost red when they are ripe. Its
leaves are large with ogival teeth.

"Collection de cépages"
Mourvèdre
A Spanish grape variety, it may originate in region of Valencia and the city of
Morvedre, now known as Sagonte.  In Spain, it is called Monastrell and it is widely
planted in Catalonia.  It is said to have arrived in France in the 16th century; today
it is cultivated in Languedoc Roussillon, Provence and in the Rhone Valley.

The fertility of Mourvèdre is unpredictable and its yield must be kept low in order
not to exhaust the roots.  It adapts well to short pruning such as “goblet” pruning.  

Mourvèdre prefers clay-limestone soils, which retain moisture, as it is sensitive to

drought.  A late ripening grape variety, it requires good sunshine and warm
temperatures.  Mourvèdre is sensitive to deficiencies in magnesium
and potassium, mites and acid rot.

The wine produced with this grape variety is rich in aroma and colour, low in
acidity and has a good quality tannic structure.  Wines made with Mourvèdre can
be a bit rough (due to the tannins) during their youth and require a few years
of aging. If you want an affordable vintage more quickly, it must be blended
with Syrah, Grenache or even Carignan.

It has aromas of: black fruit, garrigue, laurel, acacia flowers, cinnamon, fresh
mushroom, leather, spices, animal notes of musk, peppery notes, prune, liquorice,
resin, undergrowth, truffle, vanilla.

Mourvèdre is part of appellations, Lirac, Costière de Nîmes, Côtes du Rhône, Fitou,

Corbières, Faugères, Vacqueyras. At Fontaine du Clos, we use it in our Vacqueyras
Reflets de l’âme, and in Castillon rouge, to which this grape adds power and
complexity.

Mourvèdre has medium sized, conical, narrow bunches. Its leaves are thin and
have teeth in a saw pattern. The grapes are blue-black, medium sized and
spherical.

"Collection de cépages"
Viognier
Viognier is an ancient grape variety, native to the vineyards of Ampuis and Condrieu. 
After the attack of phylloxera and the abandonment of the vines caused by the two
world wars, the Viognier grape variety was abandoned.  In 1986  there were only
20Ha left planted with  Viognier in Condrieu.  Happily, for lovers of this variety, the
surface area planted with this variety has subsequently recovered.  In France, it is
cultivated in the Rhone Valley, but it is also found abroad, where it has been very
successful, particularly in the United States (Virginia, California and Georgia),
Australia and many wine-growing regions in Portugal.

Viognier is an early to medium-ripening grape variety that is susceptible to powdery

mildew and grey rot but it is drought resistant. It appreciates stony, dry, poor soils. 
Not very fertile variety, in to obtain a suitable yield it is best to opt for a long pruning.

Viognier gives white wines of great finesse, supple and round; they can however lack
acidity but they stand out because of their rich aromatic palette which is why it is
used a lot in single-variety wines.  Wines made from Viognier have aromas of white
flowers and dried apricots, peach, honeysuckle, wax, lime, quince, spices, flower,
peach, almond tree, iris, mango, acacia honey, and with ageing a touch of musk,
gingerbread, tobacco, linden, and violet.

It is the only grape variety in Condrieux and Chateau Grillet (appellation produced on
3.5 Hectare by a single owner), it is also allowed in the  Côte Rôtie appellation,
but only up to 20%; it is also part of the AOC Côtes du Rhônes.  

Here, in our winery, we use it in the assembly of our White Côtes du Rhône, in which
it brings a lot of smoothness; we find part of its aromatic potential in the nose of this
wine: marzipan, candied lemon, aniseed.

The leaves are medium sized, with bubbles, twisted and with narrow teeth. Viognier
has small, truncated cone-shaped, compact bunches, the grapes are small, spherical
or slightly ovoid, amber-white in colour and with thick skin.

"Collection de cépages"
Cabernet Franc
According to Guy Lavignac, author of the book " Les Cépages du Sud-Ouest ", this
black grape variety probably originated from the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, then
crossed to the south-west of France, thanks to the pilgrims returning from Santiago
de Compostela.  Cabernet franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties contained in
Bordeaux wines.  It is most commonly found in the Libournais terroir. However, it
develops its best range of aromas in the mature wines of the Saint-Emilion and
Fronsac terroirs. It represents 55% of the blend of Château Ausone, and 60% of the
blended Château Cheval Blanc. Globally, it is cultivated in Italy (Friuli), Spain,
Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania, New Zealand, and the United States (California,
Virginia, New York and Washington States).

It is a late ripening grape variety but it ripens a little earlier than Cabernet
Sauvignon; this allows it to be planted further north, up to the Loire Valley. It is also
a little less tannic and less colourful than the latter, while still having good aromatic
qualities. 

When it comes from clayey-sandy or Loire limestone (“tuffeau”) terroirs, it gives a

wine with aromas of tobacco, spices, raspberry, blackcurrant, and
violet.  It can also develop peppery notes. As a varietal wine, or if it is the majority
variety in a blend, it results in structured and balanced wines with sweet tannins
and controlled acidity. It produces fruity wines that can be drunk young, but also
great vintages which can be kept for a long time.

It is a versatile grape variety, and is found in a large number of appellations:

Bergerac, Madiran, Côtes du Brulhois, Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Chinon,
Saumur, Rosé d'Anjou, Cabernet d'Anjou and of course as mentioned before Saint-
Emilion, and Fronsac.

Its leaves are a shiny even-coloured light green. Their shape is deeply cut and the
deep toothed lateral sinuses are ogival in shape.  Its bunches are medium sized,
cylindro-conical in shape, and are more or less compact.  The thin skinned grapess
are small to medium sized and spherical, and are a beautiful bluish-black. The juice
is sweet and a little astringent.

"Collection de cépages"
Table Grape Varieties
Sultanine: This is a grape variety that is widely cultivated in the world, and
is used to produce both fresh grapes and raisins. The name of this white
table grape variety derives from “the Sultan's vine”. These grapes are
seedless, they are therefore pleasant to eat despite the fact that they do not
have a pronounced taste.

Chasselas: This white grape variety of Swiss origin is very common in

European vineyards; it produces cylindrical bunches of grapes with golden-
yellow spherical grapes, with the addition of red spots if exposed to a lot of
sunshine.

Isa: This white variety was obtained in 1964 by crossing “Gloire” of Hungary
and Cardinal. Isa has been listed since 1996 in the French official catalogue
of table grape vine varieties.

Ora: This is a grape variety that comes from a crossing varies varieties such
as Cinsault, Pearl of Csaba and Cardinal. It has been listed since 1989 in the
French official catalogue. It is a white table grape.

Dattier de Beyrouth: This is a white table grape variety, grown for the
production of fresh grapes. Of oriental origin, it was then propagated in
Cavaillon, in the Vaucluse département. Today, the biggest producer is Italy.
It's one of the most sought after grapes on the European market. Its taste is
very pleasant and its pulp fleshy and sweet. It is eaten fresh.

Italia: As its name suggests, it is a white grape variety of Italian origin. It is

eaten exclusively as a table grape. It was obtained in 1911 by Angelo
Pirovano by crossing Bicane with Muscat of Hambourg. The flavour of its
grapes is slightly muscaty.

"Collection de cépages"
Table Grape Varieties
Prima: This variety was bred by INRA in 1974 by crossing Lival with Cardinal. Its
grapes are of a beautiful intense bluish-black and its pulp is firm and juicy with
sweet, crunchy flesh. It is the earliest black grape of the year, and is available from
mid-August.

Cardinal: It comes from a cross between Flame Pinot Gris and Alphonse Lavallée.
Cardinal is originally from California and was created in 1939. It is one of the first
black table grapes to have been marketed. The grapes, which are quite large,
contain firm and musky flavoured flesh.

Lival: Obtained in 1956 by INRA, by crossing Alphonse Lavallée and Lignan. It is a

black grape that can be both a table grape and used to make wine. Its skin is a
blueish-black. The taste is neutral but it has a firm and juicy pulp with even-sized
grapes of a homogeneous colour.

Muscat d'Hambourg: This old variety has been produced in the foothills of Mont
Ventoux since the 19th century.  Nearly four hundred producers spread over 48
communes in the Vaucluse département produce 2,000 tonnes of this black
variety annually, which was granted the AOC "Muscat du Ventoux" label
in 1997.  Harvested from August to mid-October, it is widely appreciated for its very
aromatic flavour, sweet and musky taste, and smooth texture. Abroad, it has also
been used as a wine making grape, including, for example, the countries of the
United States, Canada and China.

Alphonse Lavallé: This is a French variety; it was extensively propagated by a

French nursery near Orleans. This black grape variety has large grapes with firm,
juicy pulp. It does not have a pronounced taste but keeps well.

Ribol: This is a fairly productive variety with very sweet and tasty flesh. The skin
does not shrivel, and the grapes transport well.  It is a black grape which can be
eaten, or used to make wine, and is native to the Languedoc region of France.

"Collection de cépages"