Wine · Grape variety · Short entry
Grolleau
A black grape from Touraine, probably a descendant of Gouais Blanc, giving light, pale, low-alcohol wines. It is used mostly for rosés, including Rosé d'Anjou, and for sparkling wines. Its French area has fallen by more than 80% since 1958.
A Loire rosé grape
Pl@ntGrape says Grolleau is 'undoubtedly' from Touraine and, from published genetic work, probably a descendant of Gouais Blanc. VIVC lists Gouais Blanc as one parent, confirmed by markers, with the other unknown. The Anjou appellation file sets pruning rules for Grolleau and its grey mutation, Grolleau Gris.
Its wines are light and pale and low in alcohol, so it is used mainly for rosé, gris and sparkling wines; with controlled yields it can make supple, fruity reds. It is susceptible to bunch-stem rot and phomopsis. French plantings fell from 11,409 ha in 1958 to 2,070 ha in 2018.
How it connects
Wine region
- grown in Loire Valley
- grows Anjou
