César is an ancient red

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grape A grape is a fruit, botanically a berry, of the deciduous woody vines of the flowering plant genus '' Vitis''. Grapes are a non- climacteric type of fruit, generally occurring in clusters. The cultivation of grapes began perhaps 8,000 years a ...

from northern Burgundy wine, Burgundy. It makes dark, tannic wines that are softened by blending with Pinot noir.J. Robinson ''Vines, Grapes & Wines'' pg 200 Mitchell Beazley 1986

History

The name and the alternative of Romain refer to the tradition that César was brought to Burgundy by Ancient Rome, Roman legionaries. However DNA fingerprinting has shown that it is the result of a cross between Pinot noir and Argant. Argant is a Spanish grape that was certainly grown in the Jura in the 19th century.

Distribution and Wines

Almost all César is found northwest of Dijon towards Chablis in the ''département'' of Yonne. It is best known in the red wines of Irancy, but may also be blended into rosé, clairet and Bourgogne mousseux.

Vine and Viticulture

César is an early budding variety, which makes it very vulnerable to frost in Burgundy. It is also fairly susceptible to mildew.

Synonyms

Céear, Céelar, Célar, Gros Monsieur, Gros noir, Picargneau, Picargniol, Picargniot, Picarniau, Picorneau, Romain, Romano, Ronçain, César noir, Hureau, Lombard

Notes and references

*''This article is based in part on material from the :de:César (Rebsorte), German Wikipedia''.

External links