Mauzac

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Green-yellow
Skin Thickness: Medium
Ripening: Late
Vigor: Moderate
Yield: Moderate
Character: Apple, fresh, oxidation-prone
Famous For: Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine

Overview

Mauzac is the traditional grape of France’s oldest sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, documented as early as 1531—nearly a century before Champagne’s sparkling wines. Native to the Gaillac and Limoux regions of southwest France, Mauzac produces wines with distinctive green apple character and makes an excellent sparkling wine base. The variety’s historical significance and unique profile make it an important component of French wine heritage. For enologists, Mauzac represents study in traditional sparkling wine production and managing oxidation-prone varieties.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Mauzac: Local southwestern name; origin unclear

Blanquette: From “blanc” (white); traditional name

Historical Development

Ancient southwest France cultivation
1531: First recorded sparkling Blanquette de Limoux
Predates Champagne sparkling (1668)
Traditional Gaillac variety
Modern: Declining but important heritage

First Sparkling Wine

Claim: Oldest recorded sparkling wine (1531)

Location: Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, Limoux

Significance: Before Champagne method developed

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Moderate vigor

Leaf Shape: Medium

Cluster: Medium; compact

Berry: Medium; round

Growing Requirements

Climate: Warm; continental influence

Soil Preference: Limestone; clay

Training: Various southwestern methods

Challenge: Late ripening; frost risk

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing
Bud break	Mid-April
Flowering	Early June
Véraison	Early August
Harvest	October (late)

Wine Styles

Blanquette de Limoux AOC

Method: Traditional (Champenoise)

Requirements: Minimum 90% Mauzac

Character: Apple; fresh; elegant

Quality: Benchmark sparkling

Crémant de Limoux AOC

Method: Traditional

Mauzac Role: Declining component

Trend: Chardonnay/Chenin increasing

Limoux Méthode Ancestrale

Method: Ancient; single fermentation

Character: Semi-sweet; fruity

Tradition: Historic style

Gaillac

Styles: Still and sparkling

Character: Apple; fresh

Tradition: Local importance

Wine Profile

Sparkling Character

Aromas: Green apple (signature), pear, floral

Palate: Fresh; medium body; apple finish

Mousse: Fine; persistent

Still Wine Character

Color: Pale straw

Aromas: Apple, quince, sometimes oxidized notes

Challenge: Oxidation management

Regional Expressions

Limoux

Status: Primary sparkling region

Styles: Blanquette; Crémant; Méthode Ancestrale

Quality: Benchmark expressions

Gaillac

Status: Traditional region

Styles: Still and sparkling

Character: Distinct terroir

Winemaking Considerations

Sparkling Production

Base Wine: Low alcohol; high acid

Method: Traditional or ancestrale

Mauzac Character: Apple notes shine

Oxidation Challenge

Issue: Prone to oxidation

Management: Protective handling

Sparkling Advantage: Early processing helps

The Green Apple

Signature: Distinctive malic character

Origin: Malic acid retention

Expression: Fresh; crisp

Food Pairing

Sparkling

Matches:

Aperitif
Seafood
Light poultry
Celebrations

Temperature: Well-chilled (6-8°C)

Key Producers

Limoux

Various Limoux producers: Traditional method

Cooperatives: Significant production

Gaillac

Local estates: Still and sparkling

Market Position

Production Statistics

France: ~1,500 hectares

Trend: Declining in Limoux

Challenge: Competition from Chardonnay

Pricing

Style	Price (€)
Blanquette de Limoux	€8-15
Crémant de Limoux	€10-18
Gaillac	€6-12

Market Position

Strength: Value sparkling; heritage

Challenge: Limited recognition

Opportunity: History; uniqueness

The Historical Claim

First Sparkling Wine

Documentation: 1531 monastery records

Significance: Century before Champagne

Character: Natural re-fermentation

Legacy

Heritage: Important wine history

Tourism: Limoux sparkling trail

Comparison with Sparkling Bases

Variety	Character	Acidity	Use
Mauzac	Apple	Medium	Blanquette
Chardonnay	Citrus, toasty	High	Champagne/Crémant
Chenin Blanc	Apple, honey	High	Crémant/Vouvray

Conclusion

Mauzac holds a unique place in wine history as the grape behind the world’s oldest documented sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux. For enologists, Mauzac demonstrates the importance of managing oxidation while preserving the variety’s distinctive green apple character. Though declining in plantings as international varieties gain ground, Mauzac deserves recognition for its historical significance and the quality sparkling wines it produces. The variety’s apple profile and traditional methods offer a distinctive alternative to Champagne-style sparklers.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026