Trousseau Noir is a black grape from France now found mostly in Portugal.
Characteristics
It is a variety that naturally will deliver grapes with high levels of sugar. Subsequently, the wines tend to be fairly high in alcohol. Acidity levels are generally high. As it is a vigorous variety, green harvesting is needed in order to produce quality grapes.
Aromas and flavours are of dark skinned red berries and forest fruit.
Wines
In Jura it is mostly used as a reinforcement for the grape Poulsard. In Portugal, it is allowed for in the Port wine blends but this has becoming less frequent over the years, given that other varieties are preferred. Its best expressions as a dry varietal wine will come from highland grown grapes in the country’s north-east.
Food pairing
A dry varietal Trousseau Noir is an excellent pairing with charcuterie. The wine is best served at 15-17°C/59-63°F.
Where is it grown?
Trousseau Noir is found mainly in Portugal, with only small plantings in three more countries. In Portugal, it is planted in the regions from the country’s north to its centre, with Alentejo as the south-most region. Most plantings are in north-eastern Alto Tras-os-Montes (2.616 ha/6,464 ac).
In France, all of the reported area is found in the Jura region. In Spain, as many as thirteen regions report of plantings, with Badajoz, just across the border from Portugal’s Alentejo, reporting the largest acreage.
- Portugal 3.149 ha/7,780 ac (an increase with 80%), MPG 16, PTPA 2%
- France 172 ha/425 ac (an increase with 36%), MPG 95
- Spain 75 ha/185 ac (a decrease with 69%), MPG 91
- Argentina 36 ha/89 ac, MPG 59
History
Trosseau Noir is recognised as a French variety with its origin in the eastern Jura region. It was documented for the first time some three-hundred years ago.