The red grape variety originates from France or Germany. Synonyms are Céear, Céelar, Célar, César Noir, Gros Monsieur, Gros Noir, Picarniol, Picarniot, Picarniau, Picorneau, Romain, Romano, Ronçain and Römer. It should not be confused with the Italian variety Lambrusca di Alessandria, despite morphological similarities. According to legend, Roman legionaries of Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) brought it to the area of the Yonne river in Burgundy, France, around 50 BC, where it was cultivated by the Celts (Gauls). However, this origin is extremely uncertain. In Germany (described in 1617) and Austria (described around 1820) a variety called Römer (Black Roman) was present, but has long since disappeared from vineyards. In Hungary, a similar vine called Purcsin (Blue Roman) was/is cultivated.
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