Mauzac

Mauzac
Grape variety Mauzac
Synonyms Mauzac Blanc, Blanquette, Gaillac, Moissac, Mozac, Queue Roide, and Sudunais
Grape colour White grape
History The Mauzac grape has a rich history that dates back several centuries in the region north of the Pyrenees. It is believed that the grape derived its name from a small village near Toulouse. Despite its historical prominence, Mauzac's popularity in the local vineyards has seen a decline since the mid-20th century.
However, its unique characteristics continue to make it a sought-after variety for specific types of wine production.
Characteristics of the wine Wines produced from the Mauzac grape are renowned for their distinctive green apple and honeyed flavors. The grape's late ripening properties often result in high acidity levels, making it an excellent choice for sparkling wine production.
The most notable use of Mauzac is in the traditional Blanquette de Limoux wines where it makes up at least 90 percent of the blend, with the remaining portion composed of either Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc.
Ampelographic features Mauzac grape exhibits distinctive ampelographic features. It is characterized by its round leaves and thick-skinned fruit which typically ripen late in the season. The grape clusters are medium-sized, tending towards conical, tightly packed bunches. It is a hardy variety that requires a warm climate to reach optimal maturity.