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Mauzac rose

The Mauzac Rose grape variety, a rarity with delicate aromatic nuances

Mauzac Rose, a member of the illustrious Mauzac family—of which Mauzac Blanc is the most renowned—is an ampelographic treasure currently being rediscovered. Its defining characteristic lies in the subtle hue of its berries, which imparts unique nuances to the wines it yields. Formerly found across Bordeaux vineyards, it gradually vanished in favour of varieties deemed more commercially viable. Yet, this ancient and elegant grape variety is capable of producing wines of remarkable finesse, displaying a delicate aromatic profile and lovely freshness.

Château Cazebonne's initiative to reintroduce Bordeaux's forgotten grape varieties has brought Mauzac Rose back into the spotlight. Its ability to express terroir and its distinct aromatic personality make it an ideal candidate for singular cuvées. While most ampelographic records refer to Mauzac Blanc and Mauzac Gris, Mauzac Rose shares many traits with its siblings while expressing its own distinctive potential.

Ampelographic profile

CharacteristicDescription
BudburstMid-season
FloweringMid-season
VeraisonMid-season
RipeningMid-season to late
VigourMedium to high
Growth habitSemi-erect
Susceptibility to downy mildewModerately susceptible
Susceptibility to powdery mildewSusceptible
Susceptibility to botrytisSusceptible to grey rot
Aromatic profileFloral notes (honeysuckle), fruity aromas (pear, green apple), honeyed nuances, with a subtle mineral touch on the finish.
Winemaking potentialDry and sweet white wines, often showing vibrant acidity and good aptitude for late harvesting to make sweet wines. Particularly promising for producing fresh, complex, and highly expressive wines.

The history of Mauzac, of which Mauzac Rose is a colour mutation, is closely bound to the evolution of the vineyards of South West France. Historical records show that the Mauzac grape variety has a long heritage across the region, especially in Gaillac. The book *"Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages"* by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne explores many other historical varieties that once shaped the viticultural landscape and are now undergoing a revival, such as Lauzet: a discreet Pyrenean grape, cousin to Bordeaux varieties, the Petit Manseng grape variety, and the Sémillon Rose grape variety—a long-term endeavour championed by Château Cazebonne, an organic winegrower in the Graves.

The reintroduction of Mauzac Rose and other lost grape varieties of Bordeaux embodies Château Cazebonne's deep commitment to preserving viticultural heritage and driving innovation. By replanting these ancestral varieties, the estate helps restore an essential part of Bordeaux's winemaking identity while offering fresh tasting experiences. This ambitious project, like many agroecological approaches in viticulture, is made possible thanks to the support of wine enthusiasts who champion our wines and share our passion. If you would like to explore this fascinating history further, we invite you to download the digital version of *"Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages"*, or to test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, and discover our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered varieties in the Cazebonne online boutique.

Sources

  • Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages — Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, BBD éditions
  • PlantGrape — Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin (IFV), IFV
  • Les Cépages — Collectif, n.d.
  • Plantgrape — fiche « Mauzac rose » — INRAE / IFV / Institut Agro Montpellier

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