The red grape variety (also Prunelart) originates from France. Nothing is known about its parentage and possible relations to the varieties Bouysselet (synonym Prunelard Blanc) or Prune de Cazouls (with synonyms Bermestia Violacea, Bermestia Violata). It must not be confused with the varieties Béquignol Noir (Prunelard), Cot (of which it is a parent), Bobal (Prunelar) or Cinsaut (Prunelat), despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. There is a parent-offspring relationship with the Mérille variety. The variety was described in the 16th century by the agronomist Olivier de Serres (1539-1619). The medium-maturing vine is susceptible to mites and resistant to botrytis. The name is derived from the dialect word "prunèl" for "plum" due to the shape and colour of the berries. It yields dark-coloured, alcohol-rich, spicy red wines with aromas of ripe plums and ageing potential. The variety was once widespread in south-western France. In the 1970s, it was almost extinct; after a reactivation, it again occupied 19 hectares of vineyards in the Département Tarn in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
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