The grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Barbaroux, Grec Rose and Roussanne du Var. It should not be confused with the Barbaroux, Grec Rouge (Grec Rosé) or Roussanne varieties, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is a presumably natural cross between Gouais Blanc (White Heunish) x Ouliven. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics). The early-maturing, high-yielding vine with reddish berries is very susceptible to botrytis. It produces light to bright red wines with low alcohol content, which are also used as blends for the production of rosé wines. It is also used as table grape. The variety is grown in Provence in the Var department, which gives it its name, where it is permitted in the Côtes de Provence area. At the end of the 1960s, the stock still amounted to around 1,600 hectares of vineyards, which had extremely shrunk by 2016 to now only 54 hectares (Kym Anderson statistics).
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien