The definitive reference work, "Ampélographie – Traité général de viticulture", was published in seven volumes between 1901 and 1910, spearheaded by Pierre Viala and Victor Vermorel. This monumental work is recognised as the most comprehensive and meticulous study ever undertaken on grape varieties. It remains an essential resource for all ampelography enthusiasts and those interested in the history and diversity of vine varieties around the world.

This colossal project brought together a team of leading specialists, including Bordeaux figures such as Cazeaux-Cazalet. Their mission was to describe thousands of grape varieties with scientific rigour, whether native to France or from the world's major wine-growing regions. Each grape variety is presented in a detailed monograph detailing its synonyms (various local names), origin and history, geographical distribution, as well as a precise botanical description covering budburst, leaves, shoots, bunches, and berries. Beyond these morphological aspects, the work also examines viticultural traits (vigour, fertility, disease resistance, adaptation to soils and climates) and oenological characteristics (wine quality, aromatic potential).

For Château Cazebonne, this work is invaluable in our approach to replanting Bordeaux's forgotten grape varieties. The "Ampélographie Viala & Vermorel" is a reference we consult frequently, particularly to understand the ancient varieties still present in the Gironde at the beginning of the 20th century, often mentioned in Jean-Baptiste Duquesne's book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". These detailed descriptions guide us in rediscovering our ampelographic heritage.

The Main Contributors

The ambition to describe thousands of grape varieties in detail required the contribution of around a hundred winegrowers, estate owners, and scientists across the world's main wine-growing regions. Notable figures of the era included Pierre Viala, professor at the Institut agronomique de Paris, and Victor Vermorel, a renowned industrialist and agronomist. Their vision brought together diverse expertise, including ampelographers, botanists, and local specialists.

These contributors not only provided precise descriptions, but also enriched the work with their observations on the viticultural practices of the time, specific terroirs, and wine-growing traditions. The coordination work of Viala and Vermorel was crucial in unifying this vast amount of information and creating a coherent, scientifically rigorous corpus. This is exemplified by the mention of specialists such as Cazaux-Cazalet, highlighting the importance of local expertise in this undertaking. Thanks to this collaboration, and to the publishing work exemplified by Éditions Féret, ampelography achieved such prominence and became the fundamental source it is today for the study and history of the vine. For a more contemporary perspective on this discipline, the work of Pierre Galet, the father of modern ampelography, offers valuable insights, as do the works of Comte Odart, a pioneering ampelographer whose writings laid the foundations of this science.

Our commitment at Château Cazebonne to reviving these forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties is made possible thanks to the support of enthusiasts who embrace our wines. To learn more about Bordeaux Ampelography, take the time to download the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" or test your wine knowledge with our wine quizzes. We also invite you to discover our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered varieties by visiting our online shop.