Technical sheet of the Blackcurrant variety of Burgundy
-
Skin color: Dark black
-
Size and Shape: Small to medium (approximately 1 cm in diameter), round and firm in shape
-
Tree Size: Reaching 1.5 to 2 meters in height
-
Fruit maturity: Mid to late July, later than the Giant variety from Boskoop
-
Fruit Taste: Very aromatic, tangy, and fragrant. More pronounced flavor than Andega or Blackdown varieties. Rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor with possible notes of black pepper and eucalyptus.
-
Earliness of the variety: Late
-
Fruiting period Mid to late July
-
Disease resistance and storage: Susceptible to powdery mildew and slightly susceptible to rust. Fruits can be stored for approximately 1 week.
-
Variety Yield: Medium, estimated at 3-4 kg per mature plant
-
Is this variety self-fertile? No, it requires a pollinator to produce fruit.
-
Commercial use:
- Processing, particularly for the production of crème de cassis and liqueurs due to its very fragrant and tangy flavor
- Jams
-
Comments: An old variety from Burgundy, highly valued for its traditional blackcurrant flavor. Recommended varieties for pollination are Géant de Boskoop and Andega.
Quick read / the essentials on Blackcurrant from Burgundy
The Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant is an ancient and prestigious variety, renowned for its rich aromas and processing quality. Historically cultivated in the Hautes Côtes de Bourgogne since the 18th century, it remains a benchmark for specialist producers today. Its intensely black, moderately sized berries have a powerful, distinctive taste, and are highly concentrated in aromas—with a high Brix level, marked acidity, and exceptional vitamin C content. This profile makes it a preferred choice for professionals in high-end processing: crème de cassis, liqueurs, or artisanal jams.
Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , also offers a wide range of blackcurrant plants, including Noir de Bourgogne, intended for producers looking for differentiation through quality. Cultivable on a wide variety of soils and hardy down to -20°C, this blackcurrant requires cross-pollination to ensure optimal yields. It combines perfectly with varieties such as Géant de Boskoop or Silvergieter's Zwarte.
For demanding producers looking to diversify their range, buying Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant plants is a wise choice. Thanks to its field expertise, Bairiverse , a wholesale supplier specializing in blueberry plants , supports you every step of the way, from planting to promoting your harvest. Consider buying Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant plants in batches adapted to your area, for easier and more cost-effective management.
Whether you are targeting the local market or niche channels, Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , offers you a top-notch technical selection for successful planting.
Origin and history
The Blackcurrant of Burgundy ( Ribes nigrum 'Noir de Bourgogne') is an old variety, originating from the Burgundy region. Its development is historically linked to the Hautes Côtes de Bourgogne , where it has been cultivated since the 18th century, notably for the artisanal and industrial production of crème de cassis . It remains today an essential reference for processing .
Fruit characteristics
The fruits of Noir de Bourgogne have an intense black skin , sometimes referred to as deep black. The shape is round and the texture firm , with a juicy, tightly grained berry. The size is small to medium , with a diameter of 6 to 10 mm and an average weight of between 0.8 and 1 g . The berries are smaller than those of varieties such as 'Neva' or 'Géant de Boskoop' , but close to 'Blackdown'.
The fruit is distinguished by its very aromatic, tangy and complex flavor , with notes of black pepper, eucalyptus , a slight astringency due to tannins, and an above-average concentration of aromas . It contains a sugar level of 9.68 g/100 g , a total acidity of 2.5 to 3% , a very high vitamin C (181 mg/100 g) , and a juice yield of 70 to 75% . The Brix level is above 16° , which makes it particularly suitable for processing.
The fruits can be stored for approximately 1 week after harvesting .
Plant characteristics
The plant reaches an adult height of 1.5 to 2 meters , with a bushy, upright and vigorous habit . The vigor is moderate and the wood is very flexible , facilitating manual management in cultivation. It does not require staking under conventional conditions, except in the case of a heavy fruit load .
This variety is non-remontant and produces only one harvest per season, in mid to late July , which makes it a mid-season to late variety . It is less early than 'Géant de Boskoop' or 'Andega' .
Cultural conditions and adaptation
Noir de Bourgogne is suitable for a wide variety of soils , including calcareous, clayey, loamy or humus-rich soils, although it expresses its full potential in deep, fresh and slightly acidic soils . It is hardy down to -20°C and requires a period of winter cold with temperatures below -5°C to induce flowering.
Susceptibility to root asphyxiation is not documented, but as with all blackcurrants, heavy, poorly drained soils should be avoided.
Pollination
The Noir de Bourgogne is self-sterile . It absolutely requires cross-pollination . It is therefore advisable to plant one pollinator for every 8 to 10 plants .
The varieties compatible and recommended as pollinators are:
Optimal pollination would increase yields by a factor of 3.5 .
Resistance to diseases and parasites
Noir de Bourgogne is susceptible to powdery mildew , with lower resistance than varieties such as 'Titania' or 'Andega' . It is not very susceptible to rust . Regarding pests, moderate to high susceptibility to aphids and mites is mentioned, requiring increased phytosanitary monitoring .
The sources do not specify any particular resistance to drought , which implies that irrigation may be necessary in case of a dry summer, especially in the early years.
Performance and commercial use
The average yield is estimated at between 1.5 and 3 kg per adult plant per year, or around 3 tonnes per hectare in natural pollination . In optimal conditions, it can reach 5 t/ha , but drop to 0.5 t/ha in the event of an unfavorable year .
This variety is particularly recommended for processing :
-
Blackcurrant cream
-
Artisanal liqueurs
-
Premium jams
It is not very suitable for fresh consumption due to its high acidity, but it can be used in short supply chains by consumers looking for a distinctive flavor. Traditionally, Noir de Bourgogne is combined with 'Royal de Naples' in a 50/50 ratio for a high-quality liqueur.
Conclusion
The Blackcurrant of Burgundy is a historic and emblematic variety , prized for its exceptional organoleptic qualities . It is aimed at producers specializing in processing , particularly in regions with a temperate climate. Despite a moderate yield and sensitivity to powdery mildew , its taste value and commercial potential in processed products make it a strategic choice for quality circuits .
To summarize: Blackcurrant from Burgundy
The Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant is a must-have for growers looking for a variety with a strong identity. While not intended for fresh consumption, it outperforms many other blackcurrants for processing uses thanks to its high Brix level, abundant juice, and complex flavors (peppery notes, eucalyptus, subtle tannins).
Its cultivation is facilitated by its hardiness and tolerance of varied soils, but requires effective cross-pollination—especially with compatible varieties such as Silvergieter's Zwarte. For sustainable planting, monitoring against powdery mildew and aphids will also be necessary.
With a yield of 1.5 to 3 kg/plant, or even more in optimal conditions, it offers a good return on investment for producers who add value to their fruit through crème de cassis, liqueurs or high-end jams.
By choosing to buy Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant plants , you are investing in a heritage variety with very high added value. Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , guarantees you certified plants, personalized growing advice, and expertise focused on performance and quality. Whether you are in conversion, diversification or development, buying Noir de Bourgogne blackcurrant plants with Bairiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of blueberry plants , allows you to integrate a variety with a strong identity into a sustainable and qualitative cultivation approach.
