Fer Servadou, often abbreviated to "Fer", is an ancient grape variety from the Sud-Ouest whose exact origins remain uncertain, although a Basque parentage is suggested. It is known to be the parent of the famous Gros Cabernet, as well as other lesser-known varieties such as Négret de Banhars or Mauzac noir. Its presence in Bordeaux is well documented, notably by Cazeaux-Cazalet.

Historically, Fer Servadou was frequently grown as a field blend, a common practice before the viticultural standardisation of the 19th century. This period was also marked by identity confusions, where it was, for example, mistaken for Castets in the Tarn, or Verdot in the Gironde. The confusion with Béquignol, attested by Cazeaux-Cazalet in the Ampélographie of Viala and Vermorel, is particularly notable, with the latter sometimes being described under the name Fer. This intertwining of names bears witness to a rich history and a wide distribution under various local names in the Sud-Ouest: Braucol, Mansois, Pinenc, Couahort or Queufort.

The book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne sheds light on its antiquity, quoting Cazeaux-Cazalet: "The history of Fer will be very short, because nothing is found in the ampelographic documents. It appears to originate from the Gironde; the ampelographers of the Lot-et-Garonne say that it comes from the Gironde and the Bergeracois. It has existed for a long time in the Graves of the Gironde; from there, it spread to the Palus and the hillsides." This quote confirms an early and lasting establishment in the Gironde, particularly in the Graves region.

The registration of "Fer or Béquignol" as an accessory grape variety in the Bordeaux appellations in 1935 illustrates the historical difficulty in formally distinguishing it from other grape varieties. Fer Servadou is appreciated for its resistance to certain diseases, making it an interesting variety for sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture. Like other varieties such as the Cabernet Goudable grape variety, it contributes to the richness of our region's viticultural heritage.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Medium, 3 days after Chasselas.
Flowering	Medium.
Veraison	Late.
Maturity	Late second epoch (about 3 and a half weeks after Chasselas).
Vigour	High.
Growth habit	Erect.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Fairly good resistance.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Susceptible.
Botrytis susceptibility	Good resistance.
Leafhopper susceptibility	Susceptible.
Aromatic profile	Red fruits (blackcurrant, raspberry), spicy notes, green pepper.
Winemaking potential	Produces fresh, fruity and spicy wines, with good structure.

At Château Cazebonne, we are working to replant ancient grape varieties such as Fer Servadou, reviving the flavours and viticultural identities of yesteryear in Bordeaux. This commemorative work is made possible by the support of wine enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our passion. To learn more about the fascinating history of Bordeaux grape varieties, we invite you to download our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" or test your knowledge with our oenological quizzes, while discovering our cuvées made from these rediscovered grape varieties on the Cazebonne shop.