Arinarnoa is a red grape variety, the result of a cross between Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon, bred in 1956 by INRA. Its name, of Basque origin, evokes lightness and wine, highlighting its relative youth in the viticultural landscape. This cross has been authorised in Bordeaux on an experimental basis since 2021, alongside other varieties such as Marselan: a recent grape variety authorised to combat climate change in Bordeaux or Touriga Nacional: the king of the Douro, a solution for Bordeaux's future?, as part of an initiative to adapt to climatic challenges. This authorisation, capped at 5% of vineyard plantings and 10% of the final blend, provides winemakers with tools to maintain the balance and character of Bordeaux red wines.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Late, like Tannat, which reduces the risk of spring frosts.
Flowering	Late.
Véraison	Late.
Ripening	Late, helping to preserve freshness and acidity in the face of hotter summers.
Vigour	Moderately vigorous.
Growth habit	Semi-erect.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Moderate.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Moderate.
Botrytis susceptibility	Good resistance to grey rot.
Black rot susceptibility	Moderate.
Aromatic profile	Produces wines with aromas of black fruit and spices, along with capsicum notes inherited from Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaking potential	Deeply coloured, well-structured wines with powerful tannins and strong ageing potential.

Arinarnoa stands out for its agronomic and oenological qualities, which are particularly relevant in the context of climate change. Its late ripening is a valuable asset, allowing grapes to retain freshness despite high summer temperatures. Its resistance to grey rot is also a significant advantage for winegrowers. On the palate, Arinarnoa wines are characterised by deep colour, an assertive tannic structure inherited from Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat, and a rich aromatic palette.

The development of grape varieties such as Arinarnoa, alongside trials with disease-resistant varieties in Bordeaux and the rediscovery of forgotten grapes, reflects the determination of Bordeaux viticulture to adapt while preserving the quality and identity of its wines. This work of selection and varietal breeding has always been part of the history of the vine, as demonstrated by the constant evolution of grape varieties planted over the centuries (Source 2).

At Château Cazebonne, while we closely follow these developments, our core philosophy leads us to favour the richness of Bordeaux's historical heritage. Our commitment is to revive forgotten grape varieties—those that truly shaped the identity of our wines for centuries and embody a legitimacy and history unique to our terroir. This work of remembrance is made possible thanks to the support of many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion for rediscovering Bordeaux's viticultural heritage, including Camaraou, an important Pyrenean relative for Bordeaux or Abouriou, a South-West variety on Bordeaux's doorstep.

To explore the culmination of this approach and taste our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered grape varieties, we invite you to visit the Cazebonne online shop. To deepen your knowledge of this fascinating history, feel free to download the digital edition of our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" and test your wine and grape knowledge with our fun quizzes.