Monbadon is a white grape variety whose history is intrinsically linked to that of the Bordeaux vineyards. Once prized for its productivity, it went through a period of decline, but continues to spark interest for its robustness and potential adaptation to current climate challenges. Its presence is notably documented in ancient records describing Gironde grape varieties.

Origin and history of the grape variety

The origins of Monbadon in the Bordeaux vineyards are lost to time, but various ampelographic sources attest to its ancient presence. It was sometimes linked to the Blanc Auba grape variety or to Pélegarie, a white grape mentioned in the early 20th century by G. Cazeaux-Cazalet as producing "ordinary" white wines, mainly intended for blending in Entre-deux-Mers. Monbadon belongs to this lineage of traditional Bordeaux white grape varieties that contributed to the production of everyday drinking wines long before the hegemony of varieties that are more famous today. Its disease resistance and productivity made it a valuable asset for yield-conscious winegrowers.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Early, making it susceptible to spring frosts.
Flowering	Early to mid-season.
Véraison	Mid-season.
Ripening	First epoch, relatively late in relation to its budburst.
Vigour	Medium to high vigour variety.
Growth habit	Erect.
Susceptibility to downy mildew	Quite susceptible.
Susceptibility to powdery mildew	Moderately susceptible.
Susceptibility to botrytis	Quite susceptible to grey rot.
Susceptibility to black rot	Moderately susceptible.
Aromatic profile	Typically neutral, with notes that can develop towards white-fleshed fruit or herbaceous touches depending on ripeness and vinification.
Winemaking potential	Historically used for dry white blending wines or distillation wines (Armagnac, Cognac). Its low aromatic potential makes it an interesting variety to provide volume without dominating the blend, particularly with varieties like Béquignol blanc.

Monbadon is a second-epoch ripening grape variety, characterised by medium to large bunches and medium-sized berries. Its leaves are generally orbicular, with three or five lobes, and its foliage takes on a beautiful golden-yellow colour in autumn. Although rare in today's vineyards, particularly in Bordeaux, it was once more widespread, especially in regions producing spirits. Château Cazebonne takes an active interest in these forgotten varieties to explore their potential and adaptability in the current context of climate change and biodiversity. This research and replanting work reflects a desire to revive the historic grapes that once formed the region's ampelographic richness. The Montils grape variety, another ancient grape brought back into the spotlight, is an example of this approach. To learn more about another revived heritage grape, discover the Ondenc grape variety. Also discover the Clairette grape variety, another ancient white grape from the South of France. Do not miss the Colombard grape variety either, another historic local grape.

To learn more about the fascinating history of the region's grape varieties, we invite you to download our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages". To test your knowledge and discover further insights, feel free to take part in our wine quizzes. And to taste the fruits of our dedication and discover our wines crafted from these varieties, visit our online shop.