At the heart of our initiative to rediscover Bordeaux's forgotten grape varieties, Baroque holds a special place. This white grape variety, also evocatively known as "Plant Bordelais", has deep roots in the Gironde. According to the research of ampelographer Pierre Galet, it originated in Lesparre, bearing witness to its historical ties with our terroir. Levadoux, another specialist, confirms this lineage and adds that Baroque was sometimes confused with Muscadelle de Nantes in the Ruch area of Entre-Deux-Mers, illustrating the richness and occasional complexity of identifying forgotten grape varieties.

The history of Baroque is also marked by its ability to adapt and thrive in challenging conditions. It notably spread significantly in the Landes following the devastating powdery mildew crisis in the 19th century. This expansion was due to its remarkable resistance to this fungal disease, an invaluable quality at a time when viticulture was particularly vulnerable. This robustness is a characteristic we value greatly at Château Cazebonne, as it reflects the resilience and ingenuity of yesterday's winegrowers.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Late, protecting it from spring frosts.
Vigour	Vigorous
Ripening	Late (third epoch according to Viala and Vermorel).
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Remarkable resistance.
Botrytis susceptibility	Relatively resistant to grey rot. Very low susceptibility to noble rot.
Aromatic profile	Aromatic white wines with good weight and roundness, often comparable to Sauvignon with fresh, expressive notes.
Winemaking potential	Good natural alcohol level. Potential for rich and complex wines.

Baroque is a rustic and vigorous variety that was rarely grafted onto American rootstocks after phylloxera, which partly explains its decline. Yet, around 1850, it accounted for 25% of the white vineyard area in what is today the Premières Côtes. It breaks bud late, but quickly catches up with the growth of other varieties. It is best planted in warm, dry soils. Yields can be generous.

This work of remembrance and perseverance is made possible thanks to the support of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion for rediscovering our viticultural heritage. To delve deeper into this fascinating history, we invite you to download our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, or discover our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered grape varieties by visiting our online shop. To learn more about The Blanc Auba grape variety, The Béquignol Blanc grape variety, The Béquignol Gris grape variety, The Clairette grape variety, the Melon grape variety, or The Prueras grape variety, you can explore our journal.