Gros Cabernet embodies a part of Bordeaux's viticultural history, a grape variety whose presence has been documented in the region since ancient times. Distinguishing it from other Cabernet varieties was a slow process, only clarified in the 19th century by ampelographers. This past confusion is further illustrated by the 1935 Bordeaux appellation decree, which still simply mentioned "Cabernets of all varieties".

Modern genetic studies have shed light on its origins, revealing that it is the result of a natural cross between the Fer Servadou grape and the Txakoli Noir grape (or Txakoli). Even more significantly, Gros Cabernet has been identified as one of the parents of the famous Carménère and of Castets, another traditional Bordeaux grape variety. This genealogy underlines its essential role in the ampelographic heritage of our region, bearing witness to a complexity much richer than what we know today.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budbreak	Moderately early
Flowering	Not specified
Veraison	Not specified
Ripening	Late second epoch
Vigour	Not specified
Growth habit	Not specified
Downy mildew susceptibility	Medium
Powdery mildew susceptibility	Medium
Botrytis susceptibility	Not specified
Black rot susceptibility	Not specified
Aromatic profile	Not specified
Winemaking potential	Produces colourful, acidic wines with moderate alcohol levels.

The Gros Cabernet grape variety was once confused with others, and was sometimes referred to as Gros Bouchet or included in the generic term of "Cabernets of all varieties". Its cultivation is now marginal, but it represents an important witness to the diversity of the Bordeaux vineyard before the phylloxera crisis and the generalisation of a few dominant grape varieties. Its rehabilitation is part of an approach to preserve and promote these forgotten grapes. Thus, as with the Gros Verdot grape, the Cabernet Goudable grape, or the Gascon grape, we are working to revive these treasures of the past. To find out more about the Cabernet-malbec grape, please feel free to read our dedicated article.

At Château Cazebonne, we are committed to breathing new life into grape varieties such as Gros Cabernet, thereby contributing to the richness and uniqueness of Bordeaux wines. This work of memory and perseverance is only possible thanks to the invaluable support of wine lovers who embrace our wines and share our passion. To learn more, you can download our book on the history of Bordeaux grape varieties, test your knowledge with our oenological quizzes, or explore our cuvées of wines made from these rediscovered grapes.