Grape variety : Mollard

Mollard: Origins and Characteristics of This Unique Grape

Mollard, a grape variety native to the Hautes-Alpes, embodies the authenticity of mountain vineyards. Rare and rugged, and particularly well suited to extreme climatic conditions, it appeals to lovers of wines that combine freshness with supple tannins. Discover the history, the terroirs and the aromatic characteristics of the Mollard grape, and follow our advice for successful food-and-wine pairings with this variety.

Description and Origins of Mollard

Mollard is a black grape variety typical of the Hautes-Alpes, where it has been grown for centuries. Its name, drawn from the local dialect, means “little hill,” a reference to the steep slopes on which it is planted. Resistant to cold temperatures and spring frosts, Mollard was long prized for its hardiness and its aromatic range. With the industrialization of winegrowing, however, it very nearly disappeared, replaced by more productive varieties. Today, a handful of winegrowers are working to save it, highlighting its aromatic potential and its freshness on the palate.

The Main Terroirs Where Mollard Is Grown

Mollard is grown mainly in the Hautes-Alpes, at the heart of the IGP Hautes-Alpes appellation. It thrives on the stony, limestone soils of mountain vineyards, which are often located at high altitude. The variety is also used in IGP Hautes-Alpes, where it is blended with other regional grapes to make red and rosé wines.

Mollard’s Aromatic Characteristics

Mollard’s Character in a Red Wine:

Mollard’s Character in a Rosé Wine:

The Best Food Pairings with Mollard

Here are our recipe ideas for the best food-and-wine pairings with a bottle of red or rosé made from Mollard:

• Tartiflette with Reblochon cheese (IGP Hautes-Alpes Red)
• Herb-braised pork belly (IGP Hautes-Alpes Red)
• Lentil salad with smoked bacon (IGP Hautes-Alpes Rosé)
• Kefta skewers (IGP Hautes-Alpes Red)
• Mountain Tomme cheese (IGP Hautes-Alpes Red)

Mollard is a rare, authentic grape variety that perfectly embodies the identity of mountain vineyards. With its light, fruity wines, it pairs with many dishes made for sharing. Discover our selection of wines made from Mollard right now, shipped directly from the estate or château of your choice, and let yourself be surprised by this still little-known variety!

Mollard, a Rare Red from the Hautes-Alpes

Mollard is one of the rarest grape varieties in the French vineyard. A black variety native to the Hautes-Alpes, it very nearly disappeared in the last century, before a handful of mountain winegrowers decided to save it from oblivion. Today it is grown at altitude, most often as IGP Hautes-Alpes, where the cool nights preserve the fruit and the backbone of the grape.

Made as a red, it yields light, fruity, easy-drinking wines built on red fruits and supple tannins; it is one of the most thirst-quenching profiles to count among the red wines. As a rosé, it turns tender and summery. Two faces of the same mountain grape, also found among our rosé wines.

Serving and Storing a Mollard Wine

A red Mollard is best enjoyed at around 15 to 17 °C. At this temperature, its fruit and freshness express themselves fully, without its already supple tannins fading away. The rosé, for its part, is served cooler, at around 10 to 12 °C, to keep all its crispness as an aperitif or at the table.

As for storage, keep your bottles lying down, away from light and heat, at a stable temperature. Light and fruity, Mollard is happily drunk in its youth, when the fruit dominates; there is no need to wait long years to enjoy it.

Frequently asked questions about Mollard

Is Mollard a red grape variety?

Yes. Mollard is a black grape from the Hautes-Alpes, made into both red and rosé wine. Rare and rugged, it produces light, fruity reds with supple tannins, shaped by the freshness of mountain terroirs.

Where does the Mollard grape come from?

Mollard is a grape variety native to the Hautes-Alpes, grown at altitude for centuries. Its name comes from the local dialect and means “little hill,” a reference to the steep slopes where it is planted. Long threatened with extinction, it is now preserved by a handful of winegrowers.

At what temperature should you serve a Mollard wine?

Serve a red Mollard at around 15 to 17 °C, like a light, fruity red wine. The rosé is served cooler, at around 10 to 12 °C. At these temperatures, the fruit and freshness of the variety come through best.

Which dishes go with a Mollard wine?

A Mollard pairs happily with mountain cooking and dishes made for sharing. With a red, think of a tartiflette with Reblochon or a mountain tomme; with a rosé, it goes with a lentil salad and bacon or summer recipes.