The red grape variety originates from France. There are about 80 synonyms that attest to its great age and wide distribution. The most important ones, grouped alphabetically by country, are Refosco (California); Angelique, Argillet, Argilliere, Begeain, Begean, Bon Savoyan, Chétouan, Chétuan, Chintuan, Cintuan, Gascon, Grand Chétuan, Grosse Syrah, Gros Plant, Maldoux, Mandoux, Marsanne Noire, Parcense, Persagne, Petite Persaigne, Plant Maldoux, Plant Médoc, Plant Noir, Rouget, Savouette, Savoyan, Syrah Grosse (France); Tinta do Rodo (Portugal); Gros Rouge (Switzerland). It should not be confused with the Douce Noire, Gascon, Genouillet, Milgranet, Persan, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso or Syrah varieties, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to one hypothesis, Mondeuse Noire is a descendant of the Allobrogica described by Pliny the Elder (23-79). However, historical or botanical evidence for this is lacking. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2018, it originated from a presumably natural cross between Mondeuse Blanche x Tressot Noir. The varieties Mornen Noir and Servanin are direct descendants of presumably natural crosses. A colour mutation is Mondeuse Grise. Mondeuse Noire was a crossing partner of the new variety Calzin..
For me, Lexicon from wein.plus is the most comprehensive and best source of information about wine currently available.
Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)