Vitis vinifera ‘Muscat Noir’

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