(Decanter) - A 'long lost' wine grape has been listed on the official French register amid claims that it could help winemakers to withstand the effects of climate change. 

A grape known as ‘Tardif’ in south-west France and which survived the phylloxera epidemic that plagued Europe’s vineyards in the 19th Century has been given a new lease of life via a listing on France’s official wine grape register.

It’s thought that Tardif’s late ripening qualities might give winemakers more options when faced with higher temperatures that are expected this century due to climate change.

That could be an advantage in areas with long, hot summers and autumns, although it was unclear how the grape would fare in a more maritime climate with greater rainfall. Tardif is believed to be native to Gascony, but its family history was not clear.

‘We are delighted that we can reintroduce an indigenous grape variety of such high quality,’ said Nadine Raymond, Plaimont winemaker for re-discovered grape varieties. ‘The nursery is coming along nicely and we are looking forward to planting it next spring.’