Vitis vinifera ‘Gouais’
White grape. ‘Vine a strong grower, bunches of medium size, conical, compact, berries over medium size, round, very juicy, without special flavour, ripen late, skin thin, a heavy bearer, long or short pruning; gives a clean wine, without much character, but fermenting easily; suitable for blending or for distillation.’ [Despeissis p.263/1903].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Figured in L’Art de Faire, Gouverner et Perfectionner les Vines [Chaptal fig. VI/1801], the illustration used here.
History at Camden Park
Listed in all publishd catalogues as ‘Gouais (La Folle) Cognac’ [Vines for Wine only no.1/1843].
Described by William Macarthur: ‘No. 24 – Gouais (or La Folle, from which is manufactured the finest Cognac Brandy). White grape, imported from France in 1817 [by John Macarthur Snr.], bunches large or medium size, berries large, round, thin-skinned, juicy, and very closely set, moderately sweet. Hardy vigorous plant, producing immense crops, and with tolerable certainty. Has been known to yield as much as 1200 to 1300 gallons to the acre of light, agreeably flavoured wine. In distillation, from 6 to 7 ½ gallons appear to be required for each gallon of spirit at about London proof. If cultivated for distillation, an acre, by the abundant use of manure, could easily be made to yield from 150 to 200 gallons of spirit. Requires same room as No. 3 [Dolcetto], and in fertile land more.’ [Maro p.26/1844].
Notes
Published Jun 24, 2010 - 12:26 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2011 - 12:24 PM
Vitis vinifera ‘Gouais’ | Chaptal fig. VI/1801 | CPA
| Family | Vitaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, France |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Grape, Wine Grape |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Gouais (La Folle) Cognac
|
| Confidence level | high |
