Marselan
Also known as: Marselan N
Climate-adaptation flagship of the INRA program. Combines Cab Sauv structure with Grenache heat/drought tolerance and disease resistance. Late-ripening (3.5 weeks after Chasselas). Small berries, large loose bunches. Bordeaux added it as a
Across the consideration criteria
What it makes
Aromatic family
Tasting notes
Often blended with
How it grows
- Cold hardiness
- -5°F
- Ripening
- Late-season
- Vigor
- Moderate
- Disease tolerance
- High
- Drainage need
- Moderately Well
- Soil pH
- 6–7.5
- Graft requirement
- Graft Required
- US availability
- Rare
Considerations
Primary buds start to die near -5°F. Cold-tender; wants a mild winter or protected site.
Needs roughly 3200 growing degree-days to ripen, a late-season variety (Winkler III). Wants a long, warm season; marginal in cool regions.
Foliar-disease pressure is moderate for this variety, a regular spray program in a humid climate. Regular cover sprays through the wet months.
Susceptible to Pierce's disease. Only a threat in the warm, humid South and parts of California; cold-winter regions cure it naturally.
Moderate vigor. Easier to balance; tolerates more fertile ground.
High heat tolerance. Holds up to a hot, sunny season.
Drought Adapted water demand. Does well on dry, well-drained ground without irrigation.
Prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Outside the band, lime or sulfur brings it in range.
Phylloxera-susceptible: plant grafted onto resistant rootstock.
These are intrinsic to the grape. On a real property, Folia scores each against your site; here they're shown on their own.
Grows alike
similar to growCaladoc
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (III)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (III)
Peloursin
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (III)
Teroldego
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (III)
Agiorgitiko
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (III)
Monastrell
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (III)
Climate-adapted alternatives
more resilient picksMaréchal Foch
Better downy mildew + black rot resistance (2 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 25°F more winter cold
Léon Millot
Better black rot resistance (2 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 25°F more winter cold
Crimson Cabernet
Better downy mildew + black rot resistance (3 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 5°F more winter cold
Divico
Better downy mildew + black rot resistance (3 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 5°F more winter cold
Corot Noir
Better black rot resistance (2 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 11°F more winter cold
Norton
Better black rot resistance (2 pathogen-steps improved) · Tolerates 10°F more winter cold
Could Marselan grow on your land?
See how Marselan scores against your specific property, with local precedent, climate, and the tradeoffs for your ground.
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