Herbemont (forbidden hybrid): another post-phylloxera relic

Herbemont Hybride

Herbemont, a witness to post-phylloxera viticulture

An American origin and a key role following phylloxera

Herbemont is a complex hybrid grape variety originating from America, rather than a variety of the traditional Vitis vinifera species. Its introduction and spread in France were directly linked to the phylloxera catastrophe, which devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century. Faced with the urgent need to reconstitute the vineyards, this American hybrid emerged as a pragmatic solution for many winegrowers.

Like other direct producer hybrids (HPDs) such as Clinton, Noah, or Jacquez, Herbemont offered undeniable advantages at the time: natural resistance to phylloxera, good vigour, and notable productivity. These qualities were crucial in a context where grafting techniques were not yet universally mastered and means of combating diseases remained limited.

Ampelographic profile of Herbemont

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Late, thus escaping spring frosts.
Vigour	High initial vigour, although it could decline over time in certain terroirs.
Growth habit	Not precisely specified, but with branched shoots.
Phylloxera susceptibility	Good initial resistance, though doubts arose for older vines.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Slightly susceptible to downy mildew.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Not specified, but renowned for its hardiness against fungal diseases.
Ripening	Late in France, which proved an asset in Brazil to avoid the rainy season.
Aromatic profile	Produces lightly coloured wines, resembling Aramon, but often considered less "foxy" than other HPDs.
Winemaking potential	Mainly intended for local consumption or distillation, originally deemed of average quality.

Its establishment and decline in Bordeaux

Herbemont was successfully cultivated in the rich, loose soils of South-West France, particularly in Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne. However, despite its resistance and productivity, its atypical flavour profile and the desire to protect traditional Vitis vinifera varieties led to a ban on planting it in protected designations of origin, as was the case for many HPDs.

Its history is a striking example of the regulatory and technical choices that shaped the Bordeaux vineyard. Although varieties such as Herbemont-Touzan, a cross with Bouchalès, showed increased resistance and slightly earlier ripening, this was not enough to halt the gradual abandonment of these hybrids.

Today, Château Cazebonne is dedicated to rediscovering the forgotten grape varieties of Bordeaux before the crisis and its aftermath. This preservation work is made possible thanks to the support of wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion for this heritage. To deepen your knowledge of this fascinating history, we invite you to discover Othello (forbidden hybrid): a cross banished from Bordeaux appellations, download the book “Bordeaux, a history of grape varieties”, test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, and explore our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered varieties by visiting our online shop.

Sources

Ampélographie : traité général de viticulture. Tome VI — V. Vermorel et V. Ravas, V. Masson et Fils — Partie 83
Ampélographie : traité général de viticulture. Tome VI — V. Vermorel et V. Ravas, V. Masson et Fils — Partie 81
Ampélographie : traité général de viticulture. Tome VI — V. Vermorel et V. Ravas, V. Masson et Fils — Partie 82
Ampélographie : traité général de viticulture. Tome VI — V. Vermorel et V. Ravas, V. Masson et Fils — Partie 80
Éléments de Viticulture, avec description des Cépages les plus répandus — Armand Alard, F. Savy — Partie 9
Ampélographie : traité général de viticulture. Tome VI — V. Vermorel et V. Ravas, V. Masson et Fils — Partie 84