Conservatoire de la Negrette

Old vines are an important reservoir of diversity for our vineyards.
Unfortunately, these "resource" plots are disappearing and the genetic heritage of regional varieties is becoming poorer.
With this in mind, in 2010 the Syndicat des Fiefs Vendéens, in partnership with the Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin Pôle Val de Loire-Centre (IFV), decided to set up the Négrette conservatory.

The centre was set up to preserve this ancient grape variety, which originated in south-western France.
Introduced to the region in the early 19th century, it is also known as 'Ragoutant'.
Its bunches are small and the berries small to medium-sized. This variety produces pleasant, highly aromatic wines with a violet fragrance. Generally low in tannin and acidity, they have limited ageing potential and are best drunk young. Négrette can also be used to make well-balanced rosés.