Béquignol noir

History

Ampelographers believe the name Béquignol comes from Gascon dialect terms béc and inhol, meaning "little beak," possibly referring to berry size. The first written record appears in the journals of Libourne mayor Antoine Feuilhade, who noted its cultivation in Bordeaux between 1763 and 1777. DNA analysis in 1999 confirmed Béquignol noir as distinct from Cabernet Franc, Fer, Prunelard, and Durif, with 2011 research suggesting a parent-offspring relationship with Savagnin, though which is parent or offspring remains unclear. Béquignol blanc and Béquignol gris are rare color mutations.

Wine regions

Although Béquignol noir originated in France, by 2008 less than 1 hectare (2.5 acres) remained in the Gironde and Vendée regions, where it is still authorized. This is a sharp decline from 223 ha (551 acres) in 1958. Most plantings are now in Argentina, with 919 hectares (2,271 acres) in 2008, primarily in Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards. There it is used similarly to Douce noir (Bonarda) to add color to red wine blends.

Synonyms

Béquignol noir has been known under many synonyms, including Balouzat, Bequignaou, Béquin rouge, Blanc Fer, Breton, Cabernet, Chalosse noire, Durif, Embalouzat, Enrageat rouge, Grosse Here, Mançais noir, Mauron, Negrotte, Noir de Cimrah, Petit Fer, Plant de Dissay, Prunelard, Raboso Piave, Red Chenin, and Sencit Gris.

Did You Know?

• The vine is very susceptible to mites.
• Béquignol noir is a mid to late ripening variety that produces very small berries.