At the heart of our approach to rediscovering forgotten and lost grape varieties, Sauvignonasse holds a unique place. This grape variety with multiple identities is known by various names depending on the region: Friulano in Italy, where it is glorified for the elegance and depth of its white wines, and Sauvignonasse in Slovenia. But it was under the name "Sauvignon Vert" that it was once successfully grown in Gironde, particularly in the Graves and, for the Sauternes grape, contributing to the aromatic richness of the great white wines of Bordeaux.

A historic grape variety sidelined by regulations

For centuries, Sauvignonasse, or Sauvignon Vert, was an integral part of the Bordeaux wine landscape. Its history is accurately told in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne. However, successive regulations and productivist choices led to its gradual abandonment. Today, it has unfortunately fallen into oblivion in France and is not authorised for wine production, as it is not listed in the official catalogue of grape varieties. This Kafkaesque situation deprives it of the recognition it deserves and prevents many winegrowers from reintroducing this precious genetic heritage. This issue is all the more relevant in the face of climate change and the need to adapt plantings.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Slightly after Sémillon, but before Cabernet-Sauvignon.
Flowering	Early.
Veraison	Mid-early.
Ripening	Late second epoch (about a week after Chasselas), abroad in the cycle of Grenache and Syrah.
Vigour	Medium to high.
Growth habit	Erect or semi-erect.
Downy mildew sensitivity	Moderately resistant, less so than Pignon, Sémillon and Castets.
Powdery mildew sensitivity	Very susceptible, which contributed to its abandonment at the end of the 19th century.
Botrytis sensitivity	Not very susceptible to grey rot.
Black rot sensitivity	Quite susceptible.
Aromatic profile	Dry, fresh, balanced white wines with floral and fruity notes (citrus, white fruits) and sometimes herbaceous or mineral nuances.
Winemaking potential	Produces dry white wines with good structure, refreshing acidity and good ageing potential in Italy.

Château Cazebonne brings Sauvignonasse back to life

At Château Cazebonne, we are convinced that the potential of Sauvignonasse, with its subtle aromas and ability to express the typicity of our terroirs, is a treasure to be preserved and cultivated. We therefore made the bold choice to replant it, to nurture it, and to let it flourish in our plots. This approach is a true rehabilitation, a way to repair a historical injustice and to restore the prestige of a grape variety that marked the past of our white wines.

This work of memory and perseverance is one of the pillars of our commitment at Château Cazebonne: reviving the tastes and aromas that modernity had consigned to oblivion for over a century. This ambitious project is only possible thanks to the invaluable support of the many enthusiasts who have adopted our wines and share our passion for rediscovering the Bordeaux wine heritage.

As Château Cazebonne strives to revive the forgotten grape varieties of Bordeaux to rediscover ancestral tastes and aromas, we invite you to explore the fascinating history of these grapes, including the Ondenc grape, the Crouchen grape or the Clairette grape, and also the Prueras grape. Other varieties such as the Montils grape are also explored as part of these initiatives. To find out more, download the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" or test your wine knowledge with our oenological quizzes, and of course, discover our cuvées made from these rediscovered grape varieties directly on our online boutique.