The Mondeuse Noir is a long-established grape variety in eastern France and can be found primarily in Isére, Bugey and the Savoy wine-growing region. It was first mentioned under its current name in 1845, but under its old name, Maldoux, in 1731 in the Jura. There are ampelographers who are of the opinion that the Mondeuse Noir could be the Allobrogicae grape variety already mentioned by Pliny the Elder. However, this name is also given to other grape varieties, such as Nebbiolo, so the claim should by no means be viewed as certain. The Mondeuse Noir maintains very close family ties to the Mondeuse Blanche and, through this, also to the famous international variety Syrah. The Mondeuse Gris is in turn a mutation of the Mondeuse Noir. The maturity of the Mondeuse Noir is more in the middle segment. The variety is susceptible to a whole range of diseases, such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. Chlorosis, drought stress and mites can also cause problems for the Mondeuse Noir. Today the Mondeuse Noir vineyard area in eastern France is 300 to 350 hectares. However, since this variety is currently being rediscovered and is considered to have good potential, the vineyard areas will probably increase, albeit only on a small scale. The Mondeuse Noir wines are deep colored and have a distinctive tannic structure, which also allows the wines to ripen and age well. Outside France, there are a few hectares of Mondeuse Noir in Switzerland, California and Australia.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Argilliere, Begeain, Begean, Chintuan, Chétuan, Cotillon des Dames, Mandouze, Grand Chétuan, Grand Picot, Meximieux, Gris Picot, Gros Chétuan, Languedoc, Gros Plant, Gueyne, Maudoux, Molette Noir, Marcelin, Maldoux, Gascon, Gros Rouge du Pays, Grosse Sirah, Margilien, Marlanche Noire, Marsanne Ronde, Morlanche, Mouteuse, Marve, Savoète, Parcense, Persaigne, Persanne, Pinot Vache, Savoyanche, Savoyange, Savoyanne, Savoyet, Rouget, Salanaise, Prossaigne, Tournarin, Tournerin, Vache, Syrah Grosse
