Mondeuse Blanche
Mondeuse Blanche is a white grape variety planted primarily in Savoie. Despite its name, it is not a white mutation of Mondeuse Noire but a distinct variety in its own right. Its name is thought to derive from its historical use in blends to soften the character of Mondeuse Noire. More significantly, Mondeuse Blanche is one of the parents of Syrah, the other being Dureza, a variety that has all but disappeared. The wines generally combine good acidity with relatively high alcohol, both of which contribute to their ageing potential. Traditionally rustic and powerful, these characterful wines show appealing citrus aromas and are now receiving the recognition they deserve, having elegantly shed their historical reputation for being somewhat ‘hard’. Mondeuse Blanche can also be blended with other white varieties from Savoie or the Rhône, as well as Chardonnay.
