The red grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Lignage, Lignage de Blois, Macé Doux, Macédoux, Massé Doux and Sucrin. The parentage is unknown. It is a very old variety, first mentioned in 1427. It was widespread along the Loire, but was almost wiped out by the phylloxera disaster in the 19th century. The INRA endeavoured to reactivate it and bred virus-free specimens in Montpellier. The low-yielding, early budding vine has olive-shaped, purple-coloured berries and is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially powdery mildew. It produces light red coloured, rather low-alcohol red wines with fine aromas, somewhat similar to Pinot Noir. No stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Andersdon statistics).
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