The story began over 250 years ago... Orchards in the Coteaux Lyonnais area At this time, winegrowers, to protect their vines from the dangers of mildew, planted amongst their vines peach trees which were very sensitive to this parasitic fungus. They were, in a sense, tell-tales or sentries who by developing the initial symptoms of the disease gave the alert and thus warned of the attack. These very particular peach trees bore fruit that was very downy and commonly called "vine peach", "wine peach" or even "blood peach" because of its purple flesh. Characteristic red flesh, juicy, slightly acidic, very sweet and especially very aromatic.At this time, winegrowers, to protect their vines from the dangers of mildew, planted amongst their vines peach trees which were very sensitive to this parasitic fungus. They were, in a sense, tell-tales or sentries who by developing the initial symptoms of the disease gave the alert and thus warned of the attack. These very particular peach trees bore fruit that was very downy and commonly called "vine peach", "wine peach" or even "blood peach" because of its purple flesh. Characteristic red flesh, juicy, slightly acidic, very sweet and especially very aromatic.
Over 200 years later, some enthusiasts - among whom the breeder René Monteux-Caillet- were keen to conserve this exceptional heritage and adapt it to the requirements of current markets. By bringing together the best features of a modern product, the nectarine, with the authenticity of a rustic and traditional fruit, the vine peach, he obtained a "vine nectarine", i.e. a nectarine with red flesh.
Nectavigne® © Photo Thuriès Gastronomie Magazine A completely new fruit has been created: henceforward with a smooth skin with no down. However, it has kept all the qualities of its noble ancestor: its exceptional wine lees colour of the skin, the characteristic purple of its flesh and the powerful aromatic profile of a scented fruit, both sweet and slightly acidic. Its freckled "pigaillé" skin (i.e. a scattering of minutes lighter specks) is the sign of a high sugar content.
Named Nectavigne®, this fruit from the land, colourful, honest, and rustic, noble and distinctive is now conquering the subtle palates of gourmets.
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