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 ‘Morrastel’

‘No. 36 - Mourastel. Black grape, much resembling the last, but although sweeter, scarcely so productive

The foregoing three [Carignan, Grenache and Mataro], with sometimes the addition of No. 36 [Mourastell], are described by Mr. Busby, in his journal, and by French authors, as the sorts used in making the wine of Roussillon; the whole being usually planted together. Some of the wine made from them, on decomposing schistus, is said to have been kept more than 150 years, and to have continued to improve to the last.’ [Maro p.29/1844].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

No additional data from the contemporary literature. 

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [Vines for Wine only no.22/1843]. 3-1 is written after the name, i.e. no. 3 of Busby’s personal collection, then housed at the Sydney Botanic Garden. For William Macarthur’s comments on this grape see the description.

 

 

Notes

Published Jun 25, 2010 - 12:41 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2011 - 11:43 AM

Family Vitaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, Spain

Synonyms
  • Graciano
  • Courouillade
  • Bastardo Nero
  • Bois Dur
  • Borfelais
  • Cagnonole
  • Caldarello
  • Jerusano
  • Karis
  • Marastel
  • Matarou
  • Minostello
  • Perpignan
  • Tinta Miuda
  • Xeres
  • Zinzillosa
  • and other local variations

 

Common Name

Grape, Wine Grape

Name in the Camden Park Record

Mourastell - Rousillion

 

 

Confidence level high