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Fer Servadou is a dark-skinned grape variety found in the wines of southwest France, most notably in the Marcillac AOC. The rustic red wines made from Fer (as it is most often refered to) tend to be medium-bodied but with firm tannins, displaying flavors of redcurrant, fig and some peppery overtones. This has proved to be pleasing to the modern palate, and plantings of Fer, while still diminutive, are on the rise.

The variety thrives on the stony, iron-rich hills surrounding the town of Marcillac. This is by far the grape's most important appellation – Fer must make up at least 90 percent of the blend (although small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Prunelard are permitted). Fer also makes up a significant portion of Gaillac wines along with Duras and Syrah, although at least one producer in the area makes a varietal Fer wine that is labeled under the local IGT designation. Fer is also used for its color and concentration as a minor component of wines from Madiran, Béarn, Fronton and even Cabardès in neighboring Languedoc.

Fer Servadou is thought to have made its way into southwest France from Spain's Basque country, although it has been planted in Marcillac for hundreds of years. This part of France was hit hard by the phylloxera crisis of the late 19th Century, and Fer was nearly wiped out. The opening of a coal mine in Marcillac saw a revival of sorts – miners brought their thirst with them and plantings increased.

There is some argument as to where the variety takes its name. Some schools suggest that fer, the French word for iron, refers to the hardness of the variety's wood. Others have suggested that it instead comes from the Latin word ferus, meaning wild or feral, as the variety is thought to descend from wild grapes. Recent DNA testing has put the little-seen variety in the Carmenere family.

France's Fer is quite distinct from the Argentinian variety called Fer, which is a clone of Malbec.

Synonyms include: Pinenc, Mansois, Braucol, Caillaba, Folle Rouge.

Food matches for Fer Servadou include:

• Beef rendang
• Duck confit
• Chicken enchiladas