At Château Cazebonne, our passion for forgotten grape varieties has led us to explore intriguing cultivars, including Cabernet Goudable. This red grape, sometimes found under the name Cabernet Boudable, bears true witness to the richness and complexity of the Bordeaux wine heritage that we strive to preserve.

Long misidentified, as evidenced by its incomplete description in the reference work “Synonymie ampélographique de l'Ouest viticole français”, Cabernet Goudable was mentioned there as a “poorly defined red grape variety from the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux (Quinsac), yet distinct from the Cabernet family”. This lack of precise characterisation illustrates the gradual loss of knowledge surrounding these marginal varieties.

However, recent advances in genetic analysis have lifted the veil on its origins. Contrary to all expectations, Cabernet Goudable is not directly related to the Cabernet family, despite its name. It is actually a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Crouchen, a white grape variety of Pyrenean origin also historically planted in Bordeaux. This unexpected parentage highlights the complex dynamics of vine evolution and its ability to adapt to its environment in order to survive, as well as the richness of the natural phenomena that have shaped the Bordeaux vineyards over the centuries. This work is part of our commitment to promoting Bordeaux's lost grape varieties and supporting the winemakers replanting forgotten varieties.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Medium (similar to Cabernet Franc)
Flowering	Early to medium
Véraison	Early to medium
Ripening	Early to medium
Vigour	Potentially vigorous
Growth habit	Rather erect
Susceptibility to downy mildew	Moderate susceptibility
Susceptibility to powdery mildew	Moderate susceptibility
Aromatic profile	Red fruit notes, occasionally with vegetal and spicy nuances inherited from Cabernet Franc.
Winemaking potential	Produces fruity wines with an interesting structure and good freshness.

History of Cabernet Goudable

The history of Cabernet Goudable is shared by many grape varieties that were once widespread, then gradually set aside in favour of more productive cultivars or those better suited to economic constraints. Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, in his book “Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages”, highlights how phylloxera in Bordeaux acted as a major upheaval, leading to the widespread adoption of grafting and the simplification of Bordeaux grape plantings. Before this crisis, winegrowers chose their varieties based on harmony with their terroirs, which fostered greater diversity—such as Merlot, which evolved from a secondary to a primary variety. Cabernet Goudable, like other local grapes, likely bore the brunt of this rationalisation, no longer meeting post-phylloxera selection criteria, although varieties such as Malbec were able to rise from the ashes later on. This past diversification also included the Gros Verdot grape variety, and even the Gros Cabernet grape variety, whose equally captivating history is well worth discovering. You might also enjoy the history of the Fer Servadou grape variety.

It is thanks to the invaluable support of wine lovers who embrace our wines that grape varieties like Cabernet Goudable can be revived, helping to preserve and enrich Bordeaux's viticultural heritage. If you would like to learn more about the fascinating history of Bordeaux grape varieties, we invite you to download our book “Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages”, test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, or discover and taste our cuvées crafted from these rediscovered varieties on the Cazebonne online shop.