Négret de la Canourgue
N
Wine grape variety.
The geographical origin of the variety is specified or, if this is not possible, the area in which it is traditionally cultivated. The genetic origin of the variety is also indicated whenever it is known from hybridiser data or from genetic analyses published or obtained by the team of DAAV-AGAP and the Domaine de Vassal Experimental Unit (INARE and Institut Agro Montpellier).
This variety is probably originally from Occitania (south of France) and is traditionally grown in Lozère and in the upper valleys of the Tarn and Lot rivers in Aveyron.
This information indicates the normal and statutory use for the grapes.
Wine grape variety.
Name under which the variety is officially registered in the catalogue of grapevine varieties in France and under which it may be propagated and disseminated.
Négret de la Canourgue
Recognised alternative names that may be used to identify the propagation material of the variety in France or in other member countries of the European Union.
There is no officially recognized synonym in France nor in the other countries of the European Union, for this variety.
This information indicates on which list the variety is registered (A or B), whether it is classified for wine grapes, and in which member countries of the European Union the variety is also officially registered (for more information, see the "Legislation" menu.
In France, Négret de la Canourgue is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" since 2025 on the A list but is not yet classified.
Only the principal ampelographic elements enabling the varieties to be characterised and identified are provided. They are presented according to the descriptor code recognised by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), the Community Plant Variety Office (OCVV) and Bioversity International (for more information, see the "Ampelographic glossary" menu). The photographs of leaves and grapes were taken in natural conditions, on the vine, in very similar situations in terms of growing conditions (sandy soil, Mediterranean coast): - Domaine de l'Espiguette (IFV), Le Grau du Roi (Gard), - Domaine de Vassal (INRAE), Marseillan (Hérault), - La Gaillarde Campus (Institut Agro Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier (Hérault). Only a few photographs, including the tips of bunches, were taken in other conditions.
[Redaction in progress]
Genetic profile
The genetic profile of the variety is provided for the 9 microsatellite markers (or SSR markers) selected under the European programme GrapeGen06 (http://www.eu-vitis.de/index.php). The absolute size values of the alleles may vary slightly from one laboratory to another, but the relative differences between the two alleles of one single microsatellite are constant. The genetic analyses were conducted by the INRAE Montpellier team DAAV (Valérie Laucou) and the IFV’s Plant Material Centre (Maryline Roques).
| Microsatellite | VRZAG62 | VRZAG79 | VVMD25 | VVMD27 | VVMD28 | VVMD32 | VVMD5 | VVMD7 | VVS2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Allele 1 |
238 |
172 |
233 |
239 |
229 |
239 |
137 |
||
|
Allele 2 |
247 |
178 |
247 |
248 |
234 |
249 |
149 |
The data on suitability are the result of field observations or, if none are available, of bibliography mining and the study of bibliographic references.
Négret de la Canourgue has a semi-bearing, moderate vigor, and looks like its leaves have been thinned out. Its yield can be irregular. Its clusters are compact, and it tends to produce a lot of grappillons. This grape variety is not very prone to coulure, but it is quite sensitive to water stress and high temperatures. It used to be grown in areas with harsh climates.
These remarks are also the result of field observations or, if none are available, of bibliography mining and study of bibliographic references.
Négret de la Canourgue does not show any particular sensitivity to downy and powdery mildew. It is however susceptible to phomopsis and a little susceptible to grey rot.
The size of grape clusters and berries indicated are based on the following scales: - Wine grape varieties Size : Very small Bunch (g) : ≤ 100 Berry (g) : 1 - Table grape varieties Bunch (g) : 150 Berry (g) : 2 - Wine grape varieties Size : Small Bunch (g) : 100 - 200 Berry (g) : 1,5 - 2 - Table grape varieties Bunch (g) : 150 - 250 Berry (g) : 2 - 3,5 - Wine grape varieties Size : Moderate Bunch (g) : 200 - 250 Berry (g) : 2 - 2,5 - Table grape varieties Bunch (g) : 250 - 400 Berry (g) : 3,5 - 5,5 - Wine grape varieties Size : Large Bunch (g) : 250 - 400 Berry (g) : 2,5 - 3,5 - Table grape varieties Bunch (g) : 400 - 700 Berry (g) : 5,5 - 8 - Wine grape varieties Size : Very large Bunch (g) : 400 Berry (g) : 3,5 - Table grape varieties Bunch (g) : 700 Berry (g) : 8 Remarks concerning the characteristics of the wines are generally based on tastings organised by juries of professionals.
The clusters are small to medium-sized and compact. The berries are medium-sized with thin skin. The wines have moderate alcohol and acidity content.
Négret de la Canourgue produces wines that are light in color, low in tannins, round, and fruity, with slightly herbaceous and peppery aromas. It is also suitable for making rosé wines.
In this section, the list of certified clones is given. Information on clone conservatories is also provided.
There is no certified clone for this variety yet.
The growth stages indicated are the result of obsrvations made at the Domaine de Vassal Estate where the set of these varieties form a collection. The results are indicated compared to the Chasselas vine variety as a reference in order to make comparisons between years and different sites. As such, for information purposes, the dates for the Chasselas B growth stage at Domaine de Vassal are as follows: - Bud burst, March 17 (average over 70 years) - Grape maturity, August 12 (average over 70 years)
[Redaction in progress]
Bibliography
- Documentary collections of the Centre de Ressources Biologiques de la Vigne de Vassal-Montpellier, INRAE - Institut Agro Montpellier, Marseillan, France.
- Dictionnaire encyclopédique des cépages et de leurs synonymes. P. Galet, 2015, Ed. Libre&Solidaire, France.
- Le Négret de la Canourgue. B. Rande, 1957, Progrès Agricole et Viticole (74) 20-21 p289-294.
- Cépages du Sud-Ouest, 2000 ans d'histoire. G. Lavignac, 2001, Ed. Rouergue/INRA, France.
- Le Négret de la Canourgue : revue bibliographique, J.C. Boulet et O. Yobrégat, 2025, France.
