Caladoc

Also known as: Caladoc Noir

Caladoc is a red hybrid variety created in 1958 by Paul Truel in southern France from a cross of Grenache and Malbec. The variety produces powerful, deeply coloured wines with a spicy character and good tannic structure – designed for the hot growing regions of the Midi, where it contributes structure and backbone to blends. Caladoc has never really caught on, remaining a niche pursuit for experimental winemakers.

Marcoux in Châteauneuf-du-Pape uses Caladoc in one of their experimental cuvées – a rare encounter with this largely unknown crossing.