Aramon [ah-rah-MAWN]
This high-yielding, red-wine grape is extensively planted in France’s Languedoc-Roussillon region. It’s responsible for immense amounts of inferior wine, most of which has low alcohol and little flavor—France’s contribution to the notorious European wine lake. Because Aramon produces such pale red wine, a more darkly colored variety such as Alicante Bouschet is usually added for color. France is encouraging the replanting of many areas like the Languedoc-Roussillon with more respectable varieties. As a result, Aramon acreage has been decreasing over the last 25 years. Aramon is also known as Pisse-vin, Plante Riche, and Ugni Noir.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.