RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

https://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/indre/commune/sainte-lizaigne/indre-l-oasis-genouillet-de-sainte-lizaigne-prend-vie?fbclid=IwAR3ThNYkIMiZctWy_lp_nq9F86QugaXn8lueXvP9S6Dac4fYbIUX4LRZxFk

The Genouillet is characterised by three or five lobed leaves, average tooth, cylindrical, compact bunches and rounded, average sized grapes.
The invasion of phylloxera caused the Berrichon vineyards to disappear rapidly at the end of the 19th century, where it was replaced by more productive hybrids and less gourmand in work and input. Its name Genouillet comes from its right-angled aspect of its tendrils, looking like knees. The Genouillet produces fresh, light wines, with fruity notes and spices. Recent wine making has been numerous and all the depth of its palate of fragrances is still to be discovered.

The main Berrichon wine in the 19th century, it was reputed to give excellent back-up wines, the best of Berry. According to some, the Genouillet was none other than the Biturica, which was well appreciated by Julius Caesar when he passed through Gaul. In 1958, there were just a few hectares counted. Shortly afterwards, it was totally eliminated as a vineyard, apart from 3 feet which resisted in a country vineyard, near Issoudun, and was recognised by Paul Dufour. Placed in safety by the Tranzault conservatory, it was registered in 2011 in the official catalogue and at the end of several experiments and administrative steps. This registration was the green light for planting it in several vineyards. In 2015, 1.8 hectares were counted, in Indre and Cher. No designation has been authorised. New plantations are in progress. The Genouillet has to be mastered to get its potential out of it: yields are limited to 35 hL/ha.s

Without an evaluation of this stock, it will be impossible to save this variety, whose organoleptic interest has not been demonstrated; by default, it will become a simple curiosity inside a conservatory. Current dynamic for planting has been stopped by the difficulty in getting authorisation to plant these vines without geographic indications (the Genouillet has no designation). This typical Berrichon vine can also allow vineyards to come back to life in lands that have been completely marginalised in the aftermath of phylloxera: this is actually the case in the Creuse valley.

(Courtesy of Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/?fwp_arca_settore=wines-and-grape-varietals-en)

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