Prunelard
The Black Plum of Gaillac
Prunelard is grown in Gaillac and Southwest France.
- Tastes of
- dark plum, blackberry, pepper and herbs
- Goes with
- duck confit, cassoulet and grilled meats
The story
Prunelard was nearly extinct by 2000—just a few vines remained. Robert Plageoles saved it, nurturing cuttings back to commercial production. The grape makes dark, plummy reds unique to Gaillac. It's France's most successful resurrection story.
Insider story
Prunelard existed as fewer than 100 vines in the 1990s.
Robert Plageoles is the grape's savior.
The wines taste like liquid plums.
Technical deep dive
Medium to full-bodied red.
Plum, dark fruit, spice, herbal.
Moderate tannins.
Good acidity.
Ages 5-10 years.
Industry secrets
Prunelard is a conservation success story.
Plageoles' version is the benchmark—and basically the only option.
The grape may have ancient origins in Southwest France.
For collectors
Investment grade C+
- Auction records
- No auction market—too rare
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Plageoles
- Causse Marines
- Value picks
- Gaillac Prunelard ($20-35)
- Price trend
- Stable. Rarity premium.
- Collector’s tip
- Buy Plageoles. Support the revival.