The red grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Aunis, Brune Noir, Chenin Noir, Gros Pineau, Gros Véronais, La Brune Noire, Mançais Noir, Pinot d'Aunis, Plant d'Aunis, Plant de Mayet and Shenen Noir.

The name probably derives from the cone-shaped bunch of grapes (pin = pine) and the Prieuré d'Aunis monastery near Saumur on the Loire. It was first mentioned in 1816 by André Jullien (1766-1832).
The parentage is unknown. It should not be confused with Pinot Noir due to synonyms or morphological similarities. There is also no relationship to Pinot. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2009, it is not (as suspected) a colour mutation of Chenin Blanc.
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Thomas Götz
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