Marsanne would have come about several centuries ago near Montélimar, in the Drôme. It can also be found in Cassis, in Savoy, in Languedoc-Roussillon or in Saint-Péray in the Ardèche, as well as on the famous hills of l’Hermitage.
Bourboulenc
It’s appreciated by winemakers for its freshness and its ability to produce little alcohol. Blended with white Grenache, Roussanne and Viognier, Bourboulenc brings a structure that enhances fruity and floral aromas and tempers the boldness with which these grape varieties are richly endowed.
Muscardin
Muscardin is a red grape variety from the Vaucluse. Its cylindrical bunches are compact and of average size. In autumn, its foliage often takes on a reddish hue. In principle, winegrowers don’t vinify it on its own. It’s systematically blended with other red grape varieties such as Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Muscardin is an additional grape variety that is used to make several southern wines. It gives them a note of freshness as well as a floral aroma.
Piquepoul Noir
Piquepoul comes from the vineyards of Provence and Languedoc. It is also found in Portugal and Spain. It produces a lightly coloured red wine, not very tannic, fine and with a nice acidity. It has a rich bouquet of floral and fruit aromas. It is a secondary grape variety which shouldn’t exceed 10% of the grape variety.
Brun Argenté
This red grape variety cultivated in the Rhone Valley produces wines with low alcohol content but a strong colour. A late-budding grape variety, it is also known as Vaccarèse or Camarèse. Often associated with Grenache, it produces tannic wines with a peppery aroma. The Brun Argenté stands out for its aromatic originality, providing finesse and a rustic feel to the wine. It’s an accessory grape variety which shouldn’t exceed 10% of the grape variety.
Counoise
Counoise, also known as “Moustardier” is a black grape variety of Spanish origin, widely grown in the south of France. Its bunches are of medium size, but its grapes are large. It’s best to prune it short to keep its production balanced. Its ripening period is the second stage but production depends on the vintage. The Counoise gives a fine, fruity, supple wine with good acidity, with notes of fruit, flowers and spices. Its colour is more or less dark and brilliant and it’s an accessory grape variety which shouldn’t exceed 10% of the grape variety.