Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Vitis vinifera ‘Muscat Noir’

‘Bunches small and short. Berries small, round, and grow close upon the bunches. Skin black, when fully exposed, and covered with a blue or violet bloom. Flesh tender; the juice of a rich vinous musky flavour.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.191/1831].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It ripens well generally, in a warm season, on a south wall, upon a dry bottom, and under good management; but it is much better to plant it in the vinery. This is the true Black Frontignan grape, and has been known to every practical gardener in England since the time of Miller. It was introduced into this country by Sir William Temple, before 1654. It derives its name from Frontignan, a town of France, in the department of the Herault, celebrated for its excellent Muscadine wine, generally called Frontignac. It is situated on the lake Meguleone, four leagues S.S.W of Montpellier. John Rea in 1702 mentions the Muscat of Frontignan.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.191/1831].

Figured in Pomona Britannica [PB pl.LVII/1812], the illustration used here.

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all printed catalogues as ‘Black Frontignac’ [Vines for Table and for Wine no.14/1843].

This note from William Macarthur: ‘No. 11 – Muscat Noir (Black Frontignac). Imported from France in 1817, dark purplish brown grape, very sweet and highly flavoured, equally early, but not so rich in flavour as the last [Muscat Gris], which it much resembles, bears more abundantly, and with more certainty, but the bunches and berries are not usually so fine. Is also subject to the blight, but not to the same extent. An excellent wine grape, requires the same room.’ [Maro p.23/1844]. This grape forms part of the collection gathered by John Macarthur Snr. on his tour of France and Switzerland in 1815 and 1816 [Maro Introduction p.v/1844]. Of the about 30 varieties collected only a handful eventually arrived in Australia, apparently as a result of either incompetence or dishonesty.

 

 

Notes

Published Jun 23, 2010 - 04:04 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2011 - 12:34 PM

Figured is a shoot with leaves and bunch of small, round black grapes. Pomona Britannica pl.570, 1812.

Vitis vinifera ‘Muscat Noir’ | Pomona Britannica pl.LVII/1812

 

Family Vitaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, probably France

Synonyms
  • Black Frontignac
  • Blue Frontignac
  • Violet Frontignac
  • Black Muscat

 

Common Name

Grape, Table Grape, Wine Grape

Name in the Camden Park Record

Black Frontignac 

 

 

Confidence level high