The Winery L Wines of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley of Western Cape

Discover the grape variety: Meslier Saint-François

Meslier Saint François is a French grape variety that comes from the Gatinais, located south of the Paris basin. It was obtained from a cross between Chenin and Gouais Blanc. It is planted on a surface area of 50 ha in France and is often confused with Arbois, hence the synonym it shares with the latter, Orbois. Its berries and clusters are of normal size. Its adult leaves have convex teeth. Meslier Saint François is not very vigorous, but it remains fertile. It buds early, 3 days before Chasselas. It is often exposed to spring frosts and is susceptible to oidium and grey rot. Meslier Saint François produces flat, light wines with little alcohol. When distilled, its eaux de vie are full of bouquet and fine. It can thus be used in the blending of grape varieties that produce cognac or armagnac.