Lauzet is a rare white grape variety native to the Pyrenean foothills, specifically Béarn. It shares genetic links with other South-West varieties such as Petit and Gros Courbu. Although its direct connection with Bordeaux vineyards remained limited, Lauzet belongs to the vast family of grape varieties that shaped the viticultural heritage of our region. It was never counted among the principal varieties of Graves, Sauternais, or Entre-Deux-Mers.

This discreet Bordeaux presence is explained by a less obvious adaptation to Gironde terroirs and a historical focus on varieties offering the aromatic profiles and ageing potential sought after for fine white Bordeaux wines. Its cultivation remained largely confined to its Béarn birthplace, where it is permitted today in the Jurançon and Béarn AOCs, as well as in a few neighbouring areas.

However, Lauzet reveals fascinating genetic links. DNA analyses have shown that it is a parent of Ondenc, another South-West grape variety that had a modest but recorded presence in Gironde. Although Lauzet did not directly shape Bordeaux history, it represents a link in this complex genealogy that indirectly influenced the heritage of our vineyards through ancient crosses. It is this history of kinships and migrations that we find so enriching in our quest for forgotten grape varieties at Château Cazebonne.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Early to mid-season.
Flowering	Early.
Véraison	Mid-season.
Ripening	Late (third period).
Vigour	Medium.
Growth habit	Upright.
Downy mildew susceptibility	Moderately susceptible.
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Moderately susceptible.
Botrytis susceptibility	Susceptible to grey rot.
Aromatic profile	Discreet, with floral notes and a certain minerality.
Winemaking potential	Produces dry, balanced wines with good acidity. Can be used in blends.

The history of grape varieties, including lesser-known cultivars like Lauzet, is a fascinating field of study that sheds light on the viticultural heritage of regions like ours. Varieties such as Jurançon Blanc and the Petit Manseng grape variety, which have often shared parentage or similar terroirs, encourage us to explore the lost wealth of our vineyards. Among other varieties to discover, we can mention the Mauzac grape variety or Riesling (or Johannisberg) and its anecdotal, fleeting presence in Bordeaux. This exploratory work also includes Bouysselet: South-West freshness, an avenue for Bordeaux?

At Château Cazebonne, we are committed to reviving these ancestral stories and flavours by replanting lost or forgotten grape varieties. This work of remembrance and perseverance is made possible thanks to the invaluable support of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion. To discover this ampelographic wealth and deepen your knowledge, do not hesitate to download our book on the history of Bordeaux grape varieties, or test your knowledge with our wine quizzes. And to explore the outcome of this approach and taste our cuvées made from these revived grape varieties, we invite you to visit our online shop.