Garanoir

An artificial cross between Gamay and Reichensteiner, Garanoir was created in 1970 at the Agroscope research centre in Pully (Switzerland) with the aim of creating a grape variety similar to Gamay, but more resistant and rich in colour. Officially marketed in 1990, it is a brother of Gamaret and Mara and was given a made-up name. Garanoir is early and offers great resistance to grey rot. Cultivated only in Switzerland, its wines are colourful, fruity, supple, and are often used in blends.

Garanoir wines are fruitier and less concentrated, less spicy than Gamaret wines. They bring colour and tannins to blends. The grape is vinified either as a blend, often with Gamaret, or as a single grape wine.