Villard noir

Villard noir is a red French wine grape variety that is grown primarily in the Savoie region of eastern France. The grape is a hybrid variety, a cross between two species of Vitis, the European Vitis vinifera and the North American Vitis riparia and Vitis rupestris.

History

The Villard noir grape was created in the late 19th century by French viticulturist Bertille Seyve and his father-in-law Victor Villard. The grape was part of a series of hybrids they created with the goal of producing a vine that could resist the phylloxera louse, which had devastated European vineyards in the mid-19th century.

Viticulture

Villard noir is a vigorous vine that can be highly productive. It is resistant to many grape diseases including powdery mildew, but can be susceptible to botrytis bunch rot.

Wine regions

While Villard noir is grown throughout France, it is most commonly found in the Savoie region. Here, it is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Mondeuse noire and Persan to produce red and rosé wines.

Wines

Wines made from Villard noir are typically deeply colored and have a medium to full body. They often have flavors and aromas of dark fruits such as blackberries and cherries, as well as herbal and earthy notes.

Synonyms

Over the years, Villard noir has been known under various synonyms including Seyve-Villard 18-315, SV 18-315, and Villard 18-315.

See also

• List of grape varieties
• French wine
• Hybrid grape