Savagnin is much more than merely an emblematic Jura grape variety, famous for its Vins Jaunes with their distinctive aromas of walnut and curry. Although this ancient white variety never set foot on Bordeaux soil, it holds a fundamental place in the genetic history of the world's vineyards and, by extension, that of Bordeaux. Its importance lies in its status as an ancestor and prolific parent, revealed by advances in DNA profiling.

Modern ampelographic studies have highlighted the crucial role of Savagnin in the genealogy of numerous European grape varieties. Such is the case for Sauvignon Blanc, a cornerstone of Bordeaux plantings for both dry and sweet white wines, of which Savagnin is a direct parent. This lineage underlines the profound interconnectedness of viticultural heritages far beyond regional boundaries. Furthermore, Savagnin is a grandparent of varieties such as Chenin, a discreet historical footprint in Bordeaux, via a now near-extinct grape variety, Sauvignonasse, as well as Petit Manseng, another treasure of the South West.

Despite this undeniable genetic influence, Savagnin was never cultivated to any significant extent in the Gironde. Its agronomic profile—more suited to the cool, continental climates of eastern France—as well as its highly specific aromatic profile, did not align with the white wine styles historically sought after in Bordeaux, where the Sémillon-Sauvignon duo naturally established itself. The story of Savagnin is a fascinating reminder of the migrations, natural crosses, and human selections that have shaped the ampelographic landscape across the centuries. This is also true of the anecdotal and ephemeral presence in Bordeaux of Riesling (or Johannisberg).

At Château Cazebonne, understanding these complex lineages is an integral part of our philosophy of exploring viticultural heritage. While our approach focuses on rediscovering and replanting grape varieties historically found in Bordeaux, the example of Savagnin reminds us of the importance of this global network and the vine's incredible genetic richness. We are proud to contribute to reviving these forgotten flavours, work made possible by the invaluable support of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion.

To discover our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered grape varieties, we invite you to visit the Cazebonne shop.

To delve deeper into this fascinating history, Jean-Baptiste Duquesne published the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" with Éditions BBD. If you would like to receive the digital version by email, go to receive the digital version.