葡萄详情

Mondeuse Noire is an ancient dark-berried grape variety native to eastern France, specifically the Savoie region. The classic Mondeuse wine has a deep purple color, with well-structured acidity and fine, well-integrated tannins. The bouquet is powerfully aromatic, with notes of sour cherries, damson plums, pencil lead and a invigorating hint of black pepper. The finest, most expressive examples are probably those from the Savoie village of Arbin.

Outside Savoie, Mondeuse is grown in tiny amounts in neighboring Switzerland, mainly in Vaud. It is also found on the Italian island of Sicily, where the Cottanera winery grows a few acres of Mondeuse in the lavic soils of Mount Etna.

It has long been suggested that Mondeuse Noire is related to Syrah, and this was confirmed by DNA profiling conducted by prominent ampelographer Jose Vouillamoz. This relationship carries through into the two varieties' wines, which have in common their rich purple pigmentation and spiced-cherry aroma.

DNA profiling has also showed that Mondeuse is, in fact, related to Mondeuse Blanche – putting an end to decades of confusion. At this stage a parent-offspring relationship has been established, but it remains unclear which is the parent and which the offspring.

Mondeuse wines are mostly varietal, as is the norm in Savoie, but when blended the most common blending partners are Gamay, Pinot Noir or Poulsard.

Synonyms include: Angelique, Begean, Bon Savoyan, Grosse Sirah, La Dame, Savoyard, Savoyet.

Food matches for Mondeuse Noire include:

• Seared rabbit livers
• Herb-crusted lamb rack
• Lebanese stuffed eggplant (batinjaan bi zayt)