Marselan

Marselan, particulary successful cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir made by inra in 1961. The variety was developed specifically for the languedoc, where it copes with both wet and dry growing seasons, is resistant to fungal diseases and coulure, and is small-berried. It can offer respectable levels of both colour and flavour. By 2011 total French plantings had reached a very respectable 3,423 ha/8,455 acres of which almost 1,000 ha were on the cusp of the Languedoc and southern Rhône in the Gard département. It has also spread successfully to Spain, California, Argentina, Brazil, and China.