Trousseau
RedTrousseau is the Jura's other signature red grape, producing more deeply colored and powerful wines than its sibling Poulsard. This ancient variety has traveled far, appearing as Bastardo in Portugal's Douro and Merenzao in Spain, yet its spiritual home remains the Jura. DNA profiling reveals it as a sibling of both Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, with a parent-offspring relationship to Savagnin.
Key Characteristics
- •More deeply colored than Poulsard
- •Produces distinctively perfumed, powerful wines
- •Early budding with frost risk
- •Irregular yielder requiring careful site selection
- •Ages well when yields are controlled
Typical Flavors
Major Regions
Arbois AOC (Jura) · Côtes du Jura AOC · Douro (Portugal, as Bastardo) · Galicia (Spain, as Merenzao) · California (emerging)
Also Known As
Bastardo (Portugal) · Merenzao (Spain) · Maturana Tinta · Verdejo Tinto
Overview
Trousseau represents the great traveler of Jura varieties, having spread to Portugal where it is known as Bastardo.
Origins & History
Trousseau is an ancient variety native to the Jura region of eastern France, where it has been cultivated for centuries alongside Poulsard and Savagnin. DNA analysis has confirmed Savagnin as one parent, making Trousseau a half-sibling to Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grüner Veltliner. The variety spread widely through medieval trade routes, arriving in the Iberian Peninsula where it became Bastardo (essential for Port and Madeira), in the Canary Islands as Baboso Negro, and in Galicia as Merenzao. California received Trousseau as early as 1852, making it one of the state's true heirloom varietals. By the 1885 UC Davis report, it was already established in the state. The variety nearly disappeared from France after phylloxera but has been revived by a new generation of Jura winemakers.
Viticultural Characteristics
Trousseau buds early and may be affected by spring frosts, making site selection crucial.
Wine Styles & Characteristics
Compared to Poulsard, Trousseau tends to manifest slightly riper fruit with broader, warmer flavors.
Genetic Lineage
Trousseau is a child of Savagnin, placing it in the same family as many important European varieties. The second parent remains unidentified. Its spread across Iberia and beyond reflects centuries of vineyard trade.
Parents
The grape of Vin Jaune. DNA analysis confirms Savagnin as one parent of Trousseau.
The second parent has not been identified through DNA analysis.
Notable Offspring
A Ukrainian crossing bred at the Magarach Institute in Crimea. Used for fortified wines.
A teinturier (red-fleshed) grape bred at UC Davis in 1938. Used primarily as a blending grape for color.
Clonal Selection
Origin: Jura, France
Certified French clone. One of the primary selections used in Jura plantings.
Origin: Jura, France
Certified French clone. Selected for consistent quality and disease resistance.
Origin: Jura, France
Certified French clone. Noted for aromatic intensity.
Origin: Jura, France
Certified French clone. Reliable producer with good concentration.
Origin: Jura, France
Certified French clone. Later release with improved disease tolerance.
Origin: Jura, France
Certified French clone. One of the newer selections from Jura conservatory work.
Origin: Jura, France
Certified French clone. Companion selection to 1277.
Origin: California, USA
UC Davis Foundation Plant Services selection from a 19th century California vine. Pre-phylloxera heritage material representing the earliest California plantings.
Origin: California, USA
UC Davis selection originally catalogued as Bastardo. Confirmed as Trousseau through DNA analysis, demonstrating the variety's Iberian synonymy.
Origin: Portugal
UC Davis selection imported from Portugal. Represents Douro Valley Bastardo material used in Port production.
Origin: California, USA
UC Davis selection originally misidentified as Marzemino. DNA testing confirmed it as Trousseau, highlighting historical confusion around variety identification.
Disease Profile
Trousseau is a difficult variety to grow, with low yields and susceptibility to poor fruit set. This is one reason it nearly went extinct after phylloxera.
Susceptibilities
Trousseau is highly susceptible to poor fruit set during flowering, particularly in cold or wet springs. This significantly reduces yields.
Resistances
Thick skins provide some natural protection against rot.
Terroir Preferences
The classic Jura soil type. Cool, clay-rich soils stress vines and produce concentrated wines with notable acidity.
Regional Expressions
The heartland of Trousseau, where it produces medium-bodied reds with distinctive peppery, herbal character. Can be made in fresh, reductive styles or aged under voile (flor) for oxidative complexity. A 50-clone conservatory was planted here in 2005 to preserve genetic diversity.
Notable producers: Domaine de la Tournelle, Domaine Labet, Tissot, Ganevat, Domaine de la Pinte, Overnoy-Houillon
Known as Bastardo, it is one of the authorized grapes for Port production. Contributes aromatics and freshness to Port blends. Also used for dry Douro table wines, where it adds lift and perfume.
Notable producers: Niepoort, Quinta do Crasto, Quinta do Vallado
Bastardo was historically one of the noble grapes of Madeira, producing medium-sweet styles. Nearly extinct on the island after phylloxera and oidium, with only small plantings remaining.
Known as Merenzao or Maria Ardoña, the variety is experiencing a revival in Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra. Produces fresh, aromatic reds with marked acidity.
Notable producers: Guímaro, Dominio do Bibei
Known as Baboso Negro or Listán Prieto, the variety thrives on pre-phylloxera vines in volcanic soils. Produces distinctive wines with volcanic minerality and Atlantic freshness.
Notable producers: Envínate, Suertes del Marqués
One of California's true heirloom varietals, arriving as early as 1852. By the 1885 UC Davis report, Trousseau was already established. Modern producers make fresh, Jura-inspired styles or use it for rosé and sparkling wines. The mutation Trousseau Gris (sold as 'Grey Riesling') was once planted to thousands of acres; only about 10 remain.
Notable producers: Arnot-Roberts, Forlorn Hope, Dirty & Rowdy, Jolie-Laide
A small but growing number of Australian producers have embraced Trousseau, often sourcing from Adelaide Hills or other cool-climate sites. Wines tend toward fresh, crunchy styles.
Notable producers: Lucy Margaux, Ochota Barrels