The red grape variety is a new variety between Tannat x Cabernet Sauvignon. According to DNA analyses last carried out in 2013, the breeding list entry Merlot x Petit Verdot turned out to be incorrect. The cross was made on behalf of INRA in 1956 by Pierre Marcel Durquéty (1923-2016) in France with the support of the University of Montpellier. Incidentally, the Ekigaïna variety was also created with the same parents.

The medium to late-ripening vine is resistant to botrytis (grey rot) as well as drought and water stress. It produces alcohol-rich, deep, dark red wines with mild tannins and herbal flavours.
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The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena