History and pedigree

Trousseau Gris is a white mutation, occasionally found in Jura and once common in California under the name 'Gray Riesling'.

Genouillet is the result of a cross between Gouais Blanc (Heunisch) and Bastardo.

In 1938 Harold Olmo used Trousseau to pollinate the rupestris hybrid Alicante Ganzin to produce the Royalty variety.

Bastardo was crossed with the Georgian variety Saperavi to produce the Bastardo Magarachskii variety used in the Crimea.

Distribution and Wines

A little is grown in Argentina and on the north coast of Spain.

Australia

A small amount is grown in Australia under the name Gros Cabernet.

France

It is grown in small amounts in eastern and southern France, notably to stiffen blends with the pale Poulsard in the Jura.

Portugal

It's part of the blend for port wine.

USA

As in Portugal, it is used to make fortified wines in California. Not much is grown, although some is misidentified as petite sirah.

Vine and Viticulture

It needs hot, dry conditions to do well. The name Trousseau is a reference to the shape of the bunch, it looks 'packed up'