Trousseau gris
A white mutation of Trousseau, once called Gray Riesling.
Trousseau Gris is a French white wine grape that is a white mutation of the red Trousseau grape. It is occasionally found in eastern France and was once widely grown in California under the name Gray Riesling. In cool climates it can produce fresh aromatic wines, though it needs gentle handling and careful winemaking to bring out its best.
Quick Facts
- Species
- Vitis vinifera
- Also called
- Gray Riesling
- Gris De Salces
- Chauché Gris (more)
- Origin
- France
- Regions
- Jura, California
Facts from the source article.
Distribution and wines
Once a common California planting under the name Gray Riesling, Trousseau Gris saw its numbers drop dramatically during the 1980s. Today, it persists mostly in France’s Jura, Alsace, Lorraine, and occasionally Champagne. In California, the grape survives in a handful of old field-blended Zinfandel vineyards; the only pure block is a ten-acre plot in the Russian River Valley’s Fanucchi Wood Road Vineyard. Beyond its own aromatic still wine, it has been blended into Chardonnay, Viognier, White Zinfandel, and some reds, and used in dessert, sparkling, and fortified styles.
Vine and viticulture
As a mutant of a port grape, Trousseau Gris thrives in hot, dry conditions, producing much sweet fruit. The best wines come from much cooler conditions, such as the coolest parts of coastal California (especially the Russian River Valley) or the mountains of the Jura. The grape is meaty and reluctant to release its juice; historically, mistreatment led to disastrous results. When grown and handled properly, typically harvested around 23.5 brix and gently pressed, it yields a crisp, clean, aromatic wine with a flowery bouquet and flavors of fresh peaches, honeysuckle, pear, melon, delicate spice, and tropical fruit.
More in White Wine Grape Varieties from France
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