Jacquez, also known as Black Spanish or Lenoir, is much more than a simple grape variety. It bears witness to a pivotal period in the viticultural history of Bordeaux and France. This complex hybrid, resulting from natural crossings between various American Vitis species (Vitis aestivalis, Vitis cinerea) and perhaps even Vitis vinifera, originated on the American continent before crossing the Atlantic, driven by an urgent necessity.

Its introduction to France in the 19th century was intrinsically linked to the phylloxera disaster. As European vineyards were devastated by this destructive aphid, Jacquez emerged as a lifeline. Its exceptional resistance to phylloxera, as well as to other fungal diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, made it a prime candidate for replanting. Its natural vigour promised a swift recovery and welcome wine production, even if the latter was mainly intended for local consumption, distillation, or blending for its intense, deep colour.

The turbulent history of Jacquez in France

The arrival of Jacquez in France, like other direct-producer hybrids (HPD) such as Noah or Clinton, was a direct response to the phylloxera crisis that ravaged European vineyards from the 1860s onwards. These resistant grape varieties made it possible to sustain viticultural activity in regions where Vitis vinifera vines had been wiped out. However, their presence was short-lived, particularly in Bordeaux, where their planting was less extensive than in other French regions such as the South-East.

The banning of direct-producer hybrids

Despite its strengths, the fate of Jacquez was sealed by French legislation in 1934. This law classified Jacquez among the Direct-Producer Hybrids (HPD) prohibited from commercial wine production. The main reasons cited were the protection of traditional Vitis vinifera varieties, quality standardisation, and health concerns, particularly regarding the presence of anthocyanin diglucosides. Although Jacquez wines were considered to be of higher quality than those of other hybrids, its "non-noble" origin and the desire to preserve the prestige of French wines sealed its demise. This was part of a broader legislative movement aimed at regulating grape varieties and defining the quality criteria of French wines, as also reflected in the decisions regarding varieties such as Baco rouge or Herbemont. Another example of this ban is the story of the grape variety Othello (forbidden hybrid): a crossbreed banned from Bordeaux appellations. One can also mention the example of Isabelle (forbidden hybrid): an American variety banned from Bordeaux vineyards.

A grape variety with a distinctive profile

Jacquez is known for specific ampelographic traits. Its budburst is generally late, which protects it from spring frosts. Its strong vigour and high fertility give it good yield potential. It is highly resistant to major grapevine diseases, such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and black rot—a characteristic that proved crucial during the post-phylloxera era. However, its resistance was not enough to save it from the regulations of the time, which favoured varieties of Vitis vinifera origin. It is important to note that this period saw a drastic simplification of varietal plantings, pushing many of Bordeaux's historic grape varieties aside in favour of so-called "noble" varieties, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

At Château Cazebonne, we are dedicated to rediscovering and replanting the historic Vitis vinifera varieties that forged the identity of Bordeaux wines. This work of memory and perseverance is made possible thanks to the invaluable support of the many enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our passion for reviving Bordeaux's viticultural heritage. To explore the culmination of this approach and deepen your knowledge, you can download our book "Bordeaux, a story of grape varieties", test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, or directly discover our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered varieties in our online shop.